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Recycling Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ecology Center

Curbside Recycling Driver

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$34.35 - $37.78/hr

Residential Recycling Drivers are responsible for the collection and loading, and transportation of recyclables to the materials recycling facility. Drivers must constantly lift, carry, push, and ...

Ecology Center

Curbside Recycling Driver

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$34.35 - $37.78/hr

Residential Recycling Drivers are responsible for the collection and loading, and transportation of recyclables to the materials recycling facility. Drivers must constantly lift, carry, push, and ...

Ecology Center

Curbside Recycling Driver

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$34.35 - $37.78/hr

Residential Recycling Drivers are responsible for the collection and loading, and transportation of recyclables to the materials recycling facility. Drivers must constantly lift, carry, push, and ...

Ecology Center

Curbside Recycling Driver

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$34.35 - $37.78/hr

Residential Recycling Drivers are responsible for the collection and loading, and transportation of recyclables to the materials recycling facility. Drivers must constantly lift, carry, push, and ...

SA Recycling

Roll-off Driver

El Monte, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

SA Recycling has multiple openings for experienced Class A truck drivers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Our drivers are the face of the Company and safely transport metals for recycling from ...

SA Recycling

Roll-off Driver

El Monte, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

SA Recycling has multiple openings for experienced Class A truck drivers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Our drivers are the face of the Company and safely transport metals for recycling from ...

SA Recycling

CDL Class C Driver

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20/hr

SA Recycling has an opening for an experienced Class A driver . Also Our drivers will operate both tractor trailers and straight trucks hauling 53-foot vans and containers, roll on/off containers ...

Caltech

Recycling Associate

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$23 - $27.25/hr

Recycling employees work together as a team to collect approximately (70) 3 cubic yard bins on set ... Must possess a valid California Driver's license and maintain it throughout the course of ...

SA Recycling

Roll-off Driver

El Monte, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

SA Recycling has multiple openings for experienced Class A truck drivers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Our drivers are the face of the Company and safely transport metals for recycling from ...

Caltech (California)

Recycling Associate

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$23 - $27.25/hr

Recycling employees work together as a team to collect approximately (70) 3 cubic yard bins on set ... Must possess a valid California Driver's license and maintain it throughout the course of ...

SA Recycling

CDL Class C Driver

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20/hr

SA Recycling has an opening for an experienced Class A driver . Also Our drivers will operate both tractor trailers and straight trucks hauling 53-foot vans and containers, roll on/off containers ...

Cal Micro Recycling

Be Seen First

Commercial Driver

Ontario, CA · On-site

$28/hr

Driver Responsibilities · Complete and maintain all transportation, shipping, recycling, and customer documentation accurately and timely. · Conduct routine vehicle safety inspections and report ...

AAA Recycling

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Class A driver/roll off experienced

North Sacramento, CA · On-site

$800 - $1.5K/wk

AAA Recycling is looking for an experienced Roll-Off Driver to join our growing team! We are seeking a dependable, safety-minded driver who takes pride in their work and has experience operating roll ...

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AAA Recycling

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Class A driver/roll off experienced

North Sacramento, CA · On-site

$800 - $1.5K/wk

AAA Recycling is looking for an experienced Roll-Off Driver to join our growing team! We are seeking a dependable, safety-minded driver who takes pride in their work and has experience operating roll ...

New

AAA Recycling

Be Seen First

Class A driver/roll off experienced

North Sacramento, CA · On-site

$800 - $1.5K/wk

AAA Recycling is looking for an experienced Roll-Off Driver to join our growing team! We are seeking a dependable, safety-minded driver who takes pride in their work and has experience operating roll ...

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Recycling Driver information

What does a recycling driver do?

A Recycling Driver is responsible for collecting recyclable materials from homes, businesses, or recycling centers and transporting them to processing facilities. They operate specialized vehicles, follow designated routes, and ensure that collected materials are properly sorted and handled. Recycling Drivers often interact with the public, promote proper recycling practices, and may be required to inspect recycling bins for contamination. Their work helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and support community recycling programs.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a recycling driver?

To thrive as a Recycling Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), good driving record, and knowledge of safe driving and waste handling practices. Familiarity with route navigation systems, hydraulic lift controls, and waste collection vehicles is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and reliability help drivers provide excellent service and maintain safety standards. These skills ensure efficient, safe collection and transport of recyclable materials while supporting community sustainability efforts.

What challenges do recycling drivers face and how can they prepare for them?

Recycling Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating tight residential streets, dealing with inclement weather, and ensuring all recyclable materials are properly sorted and collected according to local regulations. To prepare, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with your route, stay updated on recycling guidelines, and practice safe driving and lifting techniques. Effective communication with dispatchers and team members is also important to resolve issues quickly and keep collections running smoothly.

What is the difference between Recycling Driver vs Waste Collection Driver?

AspectRecycling DriverWaste Collection Driver
CredentialsValid driver's license, commercial driving license (CDL) often preferredValid driver's license, CDL may be required
Work EnvironmentResidential and commercial areas, recycling centersResidential neighborhoods, waste disposal sites
Industry UsageRecycling and waste management companiesMunicipal waste services, private waste collection firms

Recycling Drivers and Waste Collection Drivers both operate trucks in waste management, but Recycling Drivers focus on collecting recyclable materials, often requiring additional training in handling recyclables. Waste Collection Drivers typically handle general waste. Both roles require similar licensing and work in comparable environments, but their primary responsibilities differ based on the type of waste collected.

What are popular job titles related to Recycling Driver jobs in California?

For Recycling Driver jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recycling Driver jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Recycling Driver jobs in California are:

Recycling Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recycling Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Curbside Recycling Driver

Ecology Center

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$34.35 - $37.78/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Department: Recycling
Reporting To: Recycling Program Manager
Location: Berkeley CA
FLSA Status: Full-time, Non- Exempt, Hourly
This is a Union Position
The Ecology Center
The Ecology Center's mission is to inspire and build a sustainable, healthy, and just future for the East Bay, California, and beyond. The Ecology Center transforms the ideas of sustainability into everyday practice. We offer information you can act on, infrastructure you can count on, and leadership for lasting change. We are working toward a world of resilient communities, zero waste and toxics, equal access to healthy food, sustainable resource use, and a safe and stable climate.
Founded in the run-up to the first Earth Day in 1970, the Ecology Center has been a regional and national leader on a wide range of issues, turning vision into action and cementing it with advocacy. We operate the nation's first and longest running curbside recycling service, a nationally recognized food and farming programs, model education and engagement activities, and the EcoStore which provides products that encourage environmentally and socially responsible lifestyle practices.
We are a committed, congenial, and diverse staff dedicated to making the world a better place through action. Every employee is integral to the success of our organization. We value vision, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. If you are passionate and qualified, we encourage you to apply to be part of our team.
Program Description
The Ecology Center has operated Berkeley's Curbside Recycling Program since 1973! We were among the very first recycling programs in the US, and we continue to push toward our goals of Zero Waste and natural resource conservation.
Summary of Responsibilities:
Residential Recycling Drivers are responsible for the collection and loading, and transportation of recyclables to the materials recycling facility. Drivers must constantly lift, carry, push, and pull bins weighing 35 to 125+ pounds. Bending, stooping and lifting from ground level are required constantly. Driver is required to operate a commercial vehicle through challenging residential neighborhoods. Driver must mount and dismount the vehicle for each stop by ascending or descending a step of 21 inch height. Driver is responsible for the inspection, minor adjustment, fueling and cleaning of their collection vehicle and ensuring all environmental controls are followed. Driver must maintain a professional and courteous demeanor with the public and employer. Finally driver is responsible for maintaining daily reports and logs. This role is a union position and will be subject to union membership agreement terms
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Arrive on time in uniform, sufficiently rested and prepared for shift start.
  • Perform a qualified pre-trip inspection of their service vehicle.
  • Compile route instructions, and carry out collection duties as assigned.
  • Collect all assigned recycling set outs, including exemption customers with special needs.
  • Provide customer education materials and complete service exception forms as needed throughout workday.
  • Refuel vehicle.
  • Return to yard and offload vehicle.
  • Perform a post-trip inspection of vehicle at end of shift.
  • Complete DVIR and turn in all associated route collection materials & paperwork.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Commercial Class A or B with Air Brakes Endorsement.
  • Clean driving record.
  • Clean FMCSA clearinghouse report
  • Valid medical certification.
  • Ability to pass a rigorous pre-employment physical fitness evaluation and 5-panel drug screen.
  • Background Screening
Preferred Qualifications:
2 Years of commercial driving experience.
Hours
This is a Full-time non-bid union position with 40 hrs per week, Monday through Friday.
Wage
Wage starts at $34.35 to $37.78 per hour. This position is benefits-eligible once qualifying hours have been met.
Available Benefits on the Job (post completion of probation period): Medical and dental insurance, dependent medical coverage , optional vision insurance, generous vacation, sick and holiday leave, employer-matched 401k plan, Employee Assistance Program and AD&D
Open until filled. (Please note that this position posting may close at any time.)
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
We value diversity. People of color, LGBTQIA-identified people, women, veterans, people with disabilities, victims of violence and formerly incarcerated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. EOE/AA.

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