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Refuse Driver Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Residential Driver

Staunton, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.25/hr

Summary: The Residential Driver is responsible for safely operating a collection truck, and ... refuse, operate compactor and dispose of collected material at the designated facility.

Residential Driver

Christiansburg, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

Summary: The Residential Driver is responsible for safely operating a collection truck, and ... refuse, operate compactor and dispose of collected material at the designated facility.

Residential Driver

Staunton, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.25/hr

Summary: The Residential Driver is responsible for safely operating a collection truck, and ... refuse, operate compactor and dispose of collected material at the designated facility.

Residential Driver

Christiansburg, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

Summary: The Residential Driver is responsible for safely operating a collection truck, and ... refuse, operate compactor and dispose of collected material at the designated facility.

Summary: The Commercial Driver is responsible for safely operating a collection truck, and ... refuse, operate compactor and dispose of collected material at the designated facility.

Summary: The Commercial Driver is responsible for safely operating a collection truck, and ... refuse, operate compactor and dispose of collected material at the designated facility.

Residential Driver

Lunenburg, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Summary: The Residential Driver is responsible for safely operating a collection truck, and ... refuse, operate compactor and dispose of collected material at the designated facility.

Residential Driver

Lunenburg, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Summary: The Residential Driver is responsible for safely operating a collection truck, and ... refuse, operate compactor and dispose of collected material at the designated facility.

Summary: The Commercial Driver is responsible for safely operating a collection truck, and ... refuse, operate compactor and dispose of collected material at the designated facility.

Summary: The Commercial Driver is responsible for safely operating a collection truck, and ... refuse, operate compactor and dispose of collected material at the designated facility.

Roll Off Driver

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

The Roll Off Driver is responsible for safely operating a collection truck, and providing prompt ... refuse, operate compactor and dispose of collected material at the designated facility.

Showing results 41-60

Refuse Driver information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do refuse driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for refuse driver in Virginia is $17.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $19.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Refuse Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a good driving record, and knowledge of safe waste collection procedures. Familiarity with refuse collection vehicles, hydraulic controls, and route management systems is typically required. Excellent time management, reliability, and strong communication skills help drivers work efficiently and interact positively with the public. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring timely, safe, and effective waste removal, supporting public health and community cleanliness.

What is the difference between Refuse Driver vs Recycling Driver?

AspectRefuse DriverRecycling Driver
CredentialsValid driver's license, CDL often preferredValid driver's license, CDL optional
Work EnvironmentResidential/commercial waste collectionRecycling collection from homes/businesses
Industry UsageWaste management, sanitation servicesRecycling services, environmental companies
Job Search IntentJobs in waste collection and sanitationJobs in recycling and environmental services

Refuse Drivers primarily handle waste collection, focusing on garbage and trash removal, while Recycling Drivers specialize in collecting recyclable materials. Both roles require similar licenses and work in waste management industries, but their focus and the materials they handle differ.

What is a refuse driver?

Refuse Drivers, also known as garbage truck drivers or waste collection drivers, are professionals responsible for operating vehicles that collect and transport waste and recyclables from homes, businesses, and public areas to disposal or recycling facilities. Their job involves driving specialized trucks along designated routes, safely loading waste materials, and ensuring proper disposal in compliance with local regulations. Refuse Drivers play an essential role in maintaining public health and cleanliness by ensuring that waste is collected regularly and efficiently.

What are common challenges faced by refuse drivers, and how can they be managed?

Refuse Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating congested or narrow streets, handling heavy bins, and working in varying weather conditions. Effective communication with team members and route planners can help address logistical issues and ensure safety. Staying vigilant about safety protocols and maintaining good physical fitness are also important for managing the physical demands of the role. Additionally, building good relationships with colleagues and residents can make daily tasks smoother and more rewarding.
What are popular job titles related to Refuse Driver jobs in Virginia? For Refuse Driver jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refuse Driver jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Refuse Driver jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Refuse Driver job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,922 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Residential Driver

Meridian Waste

Staunton, VA • On-site

$18.75 - $25.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 hours ago


Meridian Waste rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 89 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Summary: The Residential Driver is responsible for safely operating a collection truck, and providing prompt, courteous and complete waste removal services for customers. In addition, the Residential Driver is responsible for ensuring his or her vehicle is in compliance with the Company’s safety standards prior to operating the vehicle, ensures that all Company, state and federal regulations are adhered to at all times while operating the vehicle, and completes vehicle condition reports on a daily basis to ensure that any vehicle defects are repaired in a timely manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Perform complete pre-and post-operation inspection of the vehicle in accordance with Company policy to ensure tire pressure, fluid levels, safety equipment, gauges, and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard reports.
  • Safely operate truck along designated route and to the disposal site; read route sheet, follow map and service each customer as identified on the route sheet or as assigned by the dispatcher and/or supervisor.
  • Operate manual and/or automatic controls in accordance with Company safety policies and procedures to lift and load refuse, operate compactor and dispose of collected material at the designated facility.
  • Courteously interact with all customers, dispatchers and others on a daily basis to ensure all customer routes are serviced in a timely and professional manner.
  • Identify unsatisfactory waste containers and tag containers in accordance with applicable departmental procedures.
  • Continuously monitor waste for evidence of unacceptable waste.
    Clean area around an accidental waste spill, ensuring adherence to all applicable safety standards and policies.
  • Continuously monitor the condition of the vehicle to ensure it is operationally ready at all times to minimize down time; clean waste from the packer blade and truck body (where appropriate) on each disposal trip.
  • Complete required route/productivity sheets, Vehicle Condition Reports and other reports, as required.
  • Maintain adherence to required productivity standards for the department to ensure all customers are serviced in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Good customer services skills to meet and exceed customer expectations; acts in a professional, courteous and cooperative manner toward customers and co-workers; works with a sense of honesty and trustworthiness.
  • Good time management skills to ensure assigned responsibilities are completed in an efficient and safe manner.
  • Good follow through ability; adheres to work schedule and follows through on challenges as they arise.
  • Ability to adhere to Company policies and rules set forth; promotes the Company’s safety standards; does not take inappropriate risks.
  • Maintains a feeling of pride in work; strives to achieve all goals.
  • Follow and comply with all safety policies.
  • Additional duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/ and or Experience:

  • Class B or higher Commercial Driver’s license with air brakes endorsement.
  • Two years of prior experience driving heavy commercial trucks.
  • Excellent reading and writing skills

Specialized Knowledge Required Including any required certificates, licenses, and registrations

  • Excellent Customer Service skills.
  • Must be able to multi-task and have an attention to detail.
  • Must have the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Great attention to detail.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Light lifting (50-100 pounds), Shop Environment
 WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Warehouse/ Shop Environment

In addition to the above, the performance of other related duties may be required.

I have read and understand the contents of the above job description.


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