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Refuse Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Gastonia, NC

TRASH/REFUSE COLLECTOR

Gastonia, NC · On-site

$36K - $58K/yr

As a Trash/Refuse Collector, you will play a critical role in maintaining the cleanliness and ... Possession of a valid driver's license Physical Demands: 1. The physical activity of this position ...

City of Owensboro, KY

Refuse Truck Driver

Owensboro, KY · On-site

$49K/yr

Unloads refuse truck; * Performs preventive maintenance on assigned equipment. Typical Qualifications Required at Time of Application : . * High School diploma or GED * Valid Driver's License * Valid ...

City of Goose Creek, SC

Refuse Collector

Goose Creek, SC · On-site

$17.13/hr

... drivers with routine vehicle and equipment maintenance, including cleaning, pressure washing, and ... in refuse collection. • Ability to perform heavy lifting. • Ability to operate a pressure ...

City Of Roswell

Refuse Collector

Roswell, GA · On-site

$13.80 - $17.93/hr

Receives and responds to customer questions and complaints regarding problems pertaining to refuse ... Serves as a relief driver, tasked with running routes, when the driver of a particular route is ...

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Refuse Driver information

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$12

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$23

How much do refuse driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for refuse driver in the United States is $17.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Refuse Driver, and why are they important?

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 are Refuse Drivers?

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 some common challenges faced by Refuse Drivers, and how can they be managed effectively?

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.
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What states have the most Refuse Driver jobs? States with the most job openings for Refuse Driver jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Refuse Driver jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Refuse Driver jobs are:
Refuse Driver jobs near you
Refuse Collector I - 955/Residential

Refuse Collector I - 955/Residential

City of Columbia, MO

Columbia, MO • On-site

$23.14 - $24.07/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Applicant View of Posting
Posting Number
4252P
Position Title
Refuse Collector I - 955/Residential
Department
Utilities
Job Code
02213
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Union Code/Affiliation
Local 955
Division
REFUSE
Job Description Summary
The purpose of this job is to collect and transport refuse and recycling materials to appropriate facilities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities - The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description
  • Drives, rides, and/or stands on rear of rear load truck for collection of refuse/recycling material.

  • Assists with collection of large items as necessary.

  • Performs pre- and post-trip inspections, basic vehicle maintenance, and fueling.

  • Assists driver of assigned rear load truck with safety sensitive tasks.

  • Services rear load dumpsters and roll carts.

  • Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities
  • No supervisory authority. Work may require providing guidance and training to others.

Human Collaboration and Job Impact - This area describes the personal interaction with others outside direct reporting relationships as well as the impact the job has on organization, the department or unit objectives, the output of services, or employee or public satisfaction
  • Work may require providing advice to others outside direct reporting relationships on specific problems or general policies. Contact may require the consideration of different points of view to reach agreement. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas.

  • Interactions have significant impact on the organization in terms of time, money, or public/employee relations.

Fiscal Responsibility
  • Position has no fiscal responsibility.

Education and Experience - An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered
Education and Experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent.

  • Experiencing driving a commercial vehicle.

Licenses or Certifications
  • Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with no airbrake restriction.

  • Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive of those commonly associated with this position
Knowledge of:
  • Refuse/recycling truck operation.

  • Safety standards and procedures.

  • Job related rules and regulations.

Skill in:
  • Operating a commercial vehicle in traffic and restrictive spaces.

  • Navigating assigned route.

  • Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the audience.

  • Applying active listening and asking questions for understanding.

Ability to:
  • Follow written and verbal instructions.

  • Read and interpret maps.

  • Read and fill out forms.

  • Maintain effective interpersonal relationships.

  • Perform routine maintenance on large vehicles.

  • Work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

Work Environment - Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job
Work Environment
  • Outdoor environment - Frequently/Often
  • Street environment (near moving traffic) - Frequently/Often
  • Vehicle - Frequently/Often
  • Warehouse environment - Sometimes
  • Shop environment - Sometimes
  • Right of Way Environment - Frequently/Often

Exposures
  • Individuals who are hostile or irate - Sometimes
  • Extreme cold (below 32 degrees) - Frequently/Often
  • Extreme heat (above 100 degrees) - Frequently/Often
  • Communicable diseases - Frequently/Often
  • Moving mechanical parts - Frequently/Often
  • Fumes or airborne particles - Frequently/Often
  • Toxic or caustic chemicals/substances - Frequently/Often
  • Loud noises (85+ decibels) -Frequently/Often

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 essential functions.
  • This position involves frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards and majority of work is performed outside or with exposure to risk.

  • Incumbents may be required to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

  • Incumbents required to feel attributes of objects, grasp, push, stand, walk, drive, reach with hands/arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb/balance, operate mechanical equipment, and move up and down from/to sitting position on the floor.

Hours/Days
HOURS: 7:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M., Monday -Friday. In the event of a holiday, pick-up days are delayed by one day, and Saturdays are required.
Starting Salary
$23.14/hr-$24.07/hr; commensurate with training and experience
Pay Grade
106
Number of Positions Available
2
Deadline to Apply
07/15/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
HOURS: 7:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M., Monday -Friday. In the event of a holiday, pick-up days are delayed by one day, and Saturdays are required.
This position is for Residential Curbside Collection (Recycling and/or Trash)
Notice to Applicants
Individuals needing accommodation to apply may call 573.874.CITY (2489)
TTY: 711 (MO RELAY)
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: MALE / FEMALE
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING
The City of Columbia participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program

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