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Solid Waste Driver Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Solid Waste Driver I

Largo, FL · On-site

$23.83/hr

... drivers the proper operation of the solid waste vehicles Team Skills • Supports honest and transparent decision-making • Collaborates with all team members in a way that builds upon ideas and ...

Required Certifications Valid Florida driver's license. FEMA IS-100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 ... Innovation - Implements modern solid waste practices and technologies. Collaboration -Builds ...

Solid Waste Operator I

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

$22.51 - $34.04/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

One year experience in the operation of heavy vehicles (Class 8 - 16 tons or larger) or any solid waste equipment Must possess a valid Florida class "B" Florida Commercial Driver's License, with ...

Solid Waste Operator I

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

$1.8K - $2.7K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Solid Waste - Recycling Curbside Opening Date: 09/29/2025 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Non-Exempt ... Must possess a valid Florida class "B" Florida Commercial Driver's License, with airbrake ...

Solid Waste Compliance Specialist

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$22.94/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Valid Florida driver's license at the time of hire. Preferred Qualifications: * FACE (Florida Association of Code Enforcement) certification (any level) or other state equivalent. * Solid Waste ...

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Solid Waste Driver information

See Florida salary details

$7

$14

$22

How much do solid waste driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for solid waste driver in Florida is $14.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.77 and $15.10 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 Florida?

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

What cities in Florida are hiring for Solid Waste Driver jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Solid Waste Driver job openings:

Infographic showing various Solid Waste Driver job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,141 per year, or $14 per hour.

Solid Waste Driver/Operator

Village of North Palm Beach, FL

North Palm Beach, FL • On-site

$45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Salary: $45,760.00 Annually
Location : Village of North Palm Beach (Public Works), FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: CY202600035
Department: Public Works
Division: Solid Waste
Opening Date: 07/20/2026
Closing Date: 8/17/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Job Description
A Solid Waste Driver/Operator is a skilled worker responsible for driving, operating and maintaining a refuse collection vehicle in both residential and commercial areas. The Driver/Operator also serves as the lead worker on the route with the supervisory responsibility of assigned solid waste workers.
*First review of applicants will occur on 8/3/2026*
Essential Functions
  • Drives a refuse packer or commercial dumpster truck on an established route while:
      1. Remembering assigned routes and the locations of refuse containers.
      2. Conforming to state and local driving and safety regulations.
    1. Operates the refuse collection vehicle in an efficient manner including:
      1. Lining up the refuse collection vehicle to container bins and activating controls to raise and dump bin in vehicle body.
      2. Lowering containers bins and assuring placement to prevent bins from being damaged by traffic flow and to prevent interference with right-of way.
      3. Utilizing controls to life and empty dumpsters into truck to compact refuse and to unload truck at dump site.
    2. Maintains the refuse collection vehicle including:
      1. Spraying truck with chemical disinfectant and rinsing with water and sweeping out truck.
      2. Checking oil, water and brake fluid levels and tire pressure.
      3. Making minor field repairs and adjustments to vehicle.
      4. Checking the condition of the truck and reporting needed repairs and servicing.
    3. Assists with the physical manual labor in conjunction with the pick-up of refuse bins and the lifting and moving of large objects.
    4. Prepares daily truck report and keeps incidental records of collection activities.
    5. Directs one or more workers in assigned tasks.
    6. Follows oral and written instructions in order to efficiently complete assigned tasks.
    7. Effectively communicates problems and safety concerns to supervisors.

(The above list of essential functions is not exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.)
Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma /GED.
  • Hold and maintain a valid Florida Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
  • Two (2) or more years of previous experience in driving heavy-duty automotive equipment.
  • Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards associated with the operation of heavy-duty automotive equipment and of precautions for the safety of assigned workers and the public.

Physical/Environmental Requirements
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Tasks involve the performance of physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching, and may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds). Duties may require Intermittent lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of heavier objects (100+ pounds).
ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Work includes exposure to all types of traffic conditions. Due to the nature and location of the work environment, there is the potential for intermittent exposure to unpleasant elements; e.g., heat, humidity, rain, fumes, etc. Some tasks involve working with moving parts, carts, and materials handling where physical risk are predictable and/or controllable by strict observance of standard safety precautions.
The Village of North Palm Beach offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
For more information about our benefit offerings, visit our benefits page:
01
Do you have a High School diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you hold a valid Florida Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or higher?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question