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Solid Waste Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prime Labor Inc.

Be Seen First

Solid Waste Driver

Tulare, CA · On-site

$24/hr

Prime Labor & Staffing has an open position for a solid waste driver. This is a full-time, temporary position that may last up to 960 hours. This position will utilize a four day, 10 hour per day ...

Essel

Solid Waste Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

Essel is looking for a Mid to Senior Level Solid Waste Engineer to manage and work on diverse solid ... Valid driver's license with a driving record in good standing required. Benefits * Medical, dental ...

Essel

Solid Waste Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

Essel is looking for a Mid to Senior Level Solid Waste Engineer to manage and work on diverse solid ... Valid driver's license with a driving record in good standing required. Benefits * Medical, dental ...

Essel

Solid Waste Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Essel is looking for a Mid to Senior Level Solid Waste Engineer to manage and work on diverse solid ... Valid driver's license with a driving record in good standing required. Benefits * Medical, dental ...

Essel

Solid Waste Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Essel is looking for a Mid to Senior Level Solid Waste Engineer to manage and work on diverse solid ... Valid driver's license with a driving record in good standing required. Benefits * Medical, dental ...

Essel

Solid Waste Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Essel is looking for a Mid to Senior Level Solid Waste Engineer to manage and work on diverse solid ... Valid driver's license with a driving record in good standing required. Benefits * Medical, dental ...

Essel

Solid Waste Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site +1

Essel is looking for a Mid to Senior Level Solid Waste Engineer to manage and work on diverse solid ... Valid driver's license with a driving record in good standing required. Benefits * Medical, dental ...

Essel

Solid Waste Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

Essel is looking for a Mid to Senior Level Solid Waste Engineer to manage and work on diverse solid ... Valid driver's license with a driving record in good standing required. Benefits * Medical, dental ...

Essel

Solid Waste Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site +1

Essel is looking for a Mid to Senior Level Solid Waste Engineer to manage and work on diverse solid ... Valid driver's license with a driving record in good standing required. Benefits * Medical, dental ...

Essel

Solid Waste Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site +1

Essel is looking for a Mid to Senior Level Solid Waste Engineer to manage and work on diverse solid ... Valid driver's license with a driving record in good standing required. Benefits * Medical, dental ...

City of Burbank

SOLID WASTE TRUCK OPERATOR

Burbank, CA

$18.75 - $21.50/hr

Under supervision, to operate various types of solid waste collection trucks; to perform heavy ... A valid California Class "B" driver's license or equivalent without air brake restriction at time ...

City of Riverside

SENIOR SOLID WASTE OPERATOR

Riverside, CA · On-site

$66K - $77K/yr

Senior Solid Waste Operator average total compensation (salary + benefits) is $89,061. City Council ... Direct driver in some movement of refuse truck in alleys, driveways and other locations; provide ...

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All JobsSolid Waste Driver JobsSolid Waste Driver Jobs in California

Solid Waste Driver information

See California salary details

$9

$18

$30

How much do solid waste driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for solid waste driver in California is $18.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a solid waste driver do?

A Solid Waste Driver is responsible for operating trucks that collect and transport residential, commercial, or industrial waste to disposal or recycling facilities. Their duties typically include driving assigned routes, safely operating waste collection vehicles, loading and unloading refuse, and ensuring proper disposal of collected materials. Solid Waste Drivers must follow safety regulations, maintain their vehicles, and interact professionally with customers and colleagues. This role is essential for keeping communities clean and supporting public health through efficient waste management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solid waste driver?

To thrive as a Solid Waste Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), a clean driving record, and knowledge of safe waste handling practices. Familiarity with hydraulic controls, route management systems, and automated waste collection vehicles is typically required. Reliability, attention to detail, and strong customer service skills help drivers manage routes efficiently and interact professionally with the public. These competencies ensure safe operations, regulatory compliance, and high-quality service in waste collection and disposal.

What are some common challenges solid waste drivers face during their daily routes?

Solid Waste Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating tight or congested streets, dealing with inclement weather conditions, and managing heavy or uneven loads. They must also adhere to strict schedules while ensuring safety protocols are followed, both for themselves and the public. Additionally, drivers interact with customers and may need to address service issues or answer questions on the spot, making strong communication and problem-solving skills important for success in this role.

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

AspectSolid Waste DriverWaste Collection Driver
CredentialsDriver's license, CDL often preferredDriver's license, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentResidential/commercial waste pickup, operating trucksResidential/commercial waste pickup, operating trucks
Industry UsagePublic sanitation services, waste management companiesPublic sanitation services, waste management companies
Job Search IntentComparing roles in waste collectionComparing roles in waste collection

Solid Waste Driver and Waste Collection Driver are often used interchangeably, both involving operating trucks to collect waste from residential or commercial sites. The main difference lies in terminology; 'Solid Waste Driver' emphasizes the type of waste managed, while 'Waste Collection Driver' highlights the collection process. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, primarily within waste management companies and sanitation services.

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

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

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

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

Solid Waste Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solid Waste Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,484 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Solid Waste Driver

Prime Labor Inc.

Tulare, CA • On-site

$24/hr

Temporary

Posted 5 days ago

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Job description

Prime Labor & Staffing has an open position for a solid waste driver. This is a full-time, temporary position that may last up to 960 hours. This position will utilize a four day, 10 hour per day work week. The schedule will be Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Fri. These will all be 10 hour shifts.
We are seeking candidates with roll-off truck experience. Candidates must have a valid California Class A or Class B drivers license and will also need to have air brake endorsements. A current medical card and a clean driving record for the last 5 years are also required.
Job duties will consist of, but are not limited to, bending, twisting, and lifting 50+ lbs., some general maintenance work, assembly/delivering cans, and alley clean up. A minimum of 1year driving waste vehicle is a plus.
Qualified applicants are urged to submit an updated resume, along with a current DMV printout to this posting

Company Description

Prime Labor & Staffing is a temporary staffing firm with offices in central California. Established in 1996, Prime Labor & Staffing specializes in providing short and long term temporary staffing positions in the construction, industrial and administrative fields. We are a proud member of the Better Business Bureau since 1999.