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Solid Waste Collection Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Olathe

Solid Waste Collection Operator - Bulk

Olathe, KS · On-site

$24.23 - $32.42/hr

The Solid Waste Collection Operator performs the activities and operations of the assigned solid waste collection work group by the collection of residential, commercial, curbside recycling and bulky ...

City of Beloit

Solid Waste Collector

Beloit, WI

$24/hr

This role is primarily responsible for solid waste collection, transportation, and disposal. Solid Waste includes garbage, bulk, white goods, recyclables, and yard waste. This position involves the ...

City of Beloit, WI

Solid Waste Collector

Springbrook, WI · On-site

$24/hr

This role is primarily responsible for solid waste collection, transportation, and disposal. Solid Waste includes garbage, bulk, white goods, recyclables, and yard waste. This position involves the ...

Corning

Solid Waste Collector

Tolleson, AZ · On-site

$20 - $21.50/hr

The Solid Waste Collector is responsible for the collection, sorting, transportation, and disposal ... Experience in operating waste collection vehicles or machinery is preferred. * Ability to lift and ...

Corning

Solid Waste Collector

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$20 - $21.50/hr

The Solid Waste Collector is responsible for the collection, sorting, transportation, and disposal ... Experience in operating waste collection vehicles or machinery is preferred. * Ability to lift and ...

Corning

Solid Waste Collector

Tolleson, AZ

$20 - $21.50/hr

The Solid Waste Collector is responsible for the collection, sorting, transportation, and disposal ... Experience in operating waste collection vehicles or machinery is preferred. * Ability to lift and ...

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Solid Waste Collection Operator information

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$14

$25

$39

How much do solid waste collection operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for solid waste collection operator in the United States is $25.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Solid Waste Collection Operator vs Recycling Collection Worker?

AspectSolid Waste Collection OperatorRecycling Collection Worker
CredentialsDriver's license, CDL often preferredDriver's license, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentResidential, commercial waste pickupResidential, commercial recycling pickup
Industry UsageMunicipal waste managementMunicipal recycling programs

Both roles involve operating collection trucks and require similar licenses. The main difference is the type of material collected: Solid Waste Collection Operators handle general waste, while Recycling Collection Workers focus on recyclable materials. Their work environments and employer expectations are largely similar, making these roles closely related but distinct in their specific collection focus.

What qualifications do you need to be a solid waste collection operator?

A solid waste collection operator typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license, often for operating collection trucks. Some positions may require completion of safety training or certification in waste management procedures, and physical stamina is important for handling heavy loads and working outdoors.

What cities are hiring for Solid Waste Collection Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Solid Waste Collection Operator job openings:

What states have the most Solid Waste Collection Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Solid Waste Collection Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Solid Waste Collection Operator jobs?

For Solid Waste Collection Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Solid Waste Collection Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,224 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Solid Waste Collection Operator - Bulk

Olathe, KS • On-site

Olathe
See more jobs at Olatheexternal

$24.23 - $32.42/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

If you are a current City of Olathe employee, please click this link to apply through your Workday account.
Employment Type
Full Time
Job Summary
CDL Driver - Bulk Collection Operator
City of Olathe | $24.23 - $32.42 per hour, depending on qualifications
The City of Olathe is seeking a dependable full-time CDL driver in our Bulk services area. This position provides essential frontline solid waste services by collecting items that are too large or unsuitable for regular curbside trash collection. Join a team that delivers reliable public services to Olathe residents while offering local routes and the opportunity to be home daily.
Essential Responsibilities
  • Operate collection vehicles and equipment used for bulk and special waste pickup.
  • Collect and load bulky household items, including furniture, mattresses, appliances, bagged excess waste, and other approved materials.
  • Follow assigned routes, pickup schedules, and service requests.
  • Inspect materials for safety hazards, prohibited items, and hazardous waste that cannot be collected.
  • Safely operate around residents, parked vehicles, traffic, and narrow residential streets.
  • Complete pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections and report maintenance or equipment concerns.
  • Use radios, mobile devices, and work-order systems to communicate service status and report missed pickups, access issues, or other concerns.
  • Support crew coverage during peak workload periods, employee absences, weather events, and special collection needs.
  • Provide professional, courteous customer service to residents.

What We're Looking For
  • Valid Kansas Class A or B CDL with a favorable driving record
  • Dependability and strong attendance
  • Ability to follow safety procedures and work independently
  • Commitment to reliable public service and teamwork

Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous experience operating a commercial vehicle
  • Experience in solid waste, sanitation, public works, commercial driving, construction hauling, or related heavy truck operations

Work schedule
  • Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or until all routes are completed
  • Holidays off: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day
  • Other holidays: Required to work all other holidays

Compensation and Benefits
This position offers competitive pay, strong City benefits, local routes, and a $4,000 new-hire bonus.
Paid in three installments:
  • $1,000 after 30 days of continuous employment
  • $1,000 after six months of continuous employment
  • $2,000 after one year of continuous employment

To receive each installment, employees must be actively employed at the time of payout and successfully meeting introductory period requirements. Current City of Olathe employees are not eligible.
If you are a safety-focused driver with commercial driving experience and want to be home daily while working for a reliable public employer, we encourage you to apply.
For information about our benefits, click here.
For more details, review the full job details and requirements below.
The Solid Waste Collection Operator performs the activities and operations of the assigned solid waste collection work group by the collection of residential, commercial, curbside recycling and bulky item refuse. The pick-up of material may be by automated, semi-automated or manual. This position performs skilled refuse equipment operation and routine maintenance of equipment and adheres to all safe work practices, safety procedures and safety regulations.
Key Responsibilities
  • Prepares refuse collection equipment for daily operations by conducting pre-operations inspection, routine maintenance and cleaning of the equipment, ensuring proper working condition; ensures that the equipment and vehicles associated with the division are operated in compliance with Federal, State and local codes, ordinances and regulations.
  • Completes daily route assignments and transports refuse to the Solid Waste Transfer Station or approved disposal, recycling, or composting facility as directed.
  • Completes daily reports and related documentation and correspondence for operations within the area of responsibility.
  • Cooperates with immediate supervisors to ensure customer service requests are resolved, responding to public inquiries in a courteous manner, providing information within the area of assignment and resolving complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
  • Takes a role in implementing the safety culture of the division; ensures adherence to safe work practices, procedures and compliance with Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Qualifications
Experience: One year of related experience is preferred.
Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Licenses & Certifications: A class B commercial driver's license with air-brake endorsement and favorable driving record are required.

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