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Solid Waste Management Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Solid Waste Collector is responsible for the collection, sorting, transportation, and disposal ... This role ensures compliance with environmental regulations and promotes waste management practices ...

New

The Solid Waste Collector is responsible for the collection, sorting, transportation, and disposal ... This role ensures compliance with environmental regulations and promotes waste management practices ...

Project Engineer - Solid Waste

Saint Louis, MO ยท On-site +1

$100K - $120K/yr

Key Responsibilities: - Lead and manage solid waste management projects, including planning, design, permitting, and construction oversight. - Develop and implement waste management strategies that ...

Lead and independently manage civil and environmental engineering projects related to solid waste facilities, landfills and transfer stations, environmental permitting to maintain regulatory ...

Lead and independently manage civil and environmental engineering projects related to solid waste facilities, landfills and transfer stations, environmental permitting to maintain regulatory ...

Lead and independently manage civil and environmental engineering projects related to solid waste facilities, landfills and transfer stations, environmental permitting to maintain regulatory ...

The Solid Waste Specialist also investigates waste-related complaints, evaluates disposal practices ... Familiarity with relevant waste management laws, regulations, and environmental standards.

The Solid Waste Specialist also investigates wasterelated complaints, evaluates disposal practices ... Familiarity with relevant waste management laws, regulations, and environmental standards.

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Solid Waste Management information

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$31.5K

$61.9K

$100K

How much do solid waste management jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for solid waste management in the United States is $61,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

In solid waste management, roles such as experienced waste management supervisors or private sanitation business owners can earn around $10,000 per month, often requiring industry experience, strong operational skills, and sometimes certifications. These positions typically involve managing operations, logistics, or owning and running waste disposal businesses, which can generate high income without formal college degrees.

What is the difference between Solid Waste Management vs Waste Collection Worker?

AspectSolid Waste ManagementWaste Collection Worker
CertificationsEnvironmental certifications, CDL often preferredCDL or commercial driving licenses typically required
Work EnvironmentIncludes collection, processing, disposal, and recycling facilitiesPrimarily on-route collection from residential or commercial sites
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, waste management companiesWaste collection services, sanitation departments

Solid Waste Management encompasses a broad range of activities including collection, processing, recycling, and disposal of waste. Waste Collection Workers focus specifically on collecting waste from designated locations. While both roles involve working with waste and often require similar certifications like CDL licenses, Solid Waste Management professionals may work in various settings beyond collection, such as recycling centers and landfills. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the waste management industry.

What is solid waste management?

Solid waste management refers to the collection, treatment, and disposal of solid materials that are discarded by the public. The process involves activities such as waste collection, transportation, recycling, composting, incineration, and landfill disposal. Its main goal is to reduce the adverse effects of waste on human health, the environment, and aesthetics. Efficient solid waste management is critical for maintaining clean and sustainable communities.

What is the highest paying job in waste management?

The highest paying job in waste management is typically a Waste Management Director or Senior Executive role, which can earn six-figure salaries. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of environmental regulations and operations management.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in solid waste management, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in solid waste management often encounter challenges such as managing increasing waste volumes, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and promoting recycling and waste reduction initiatives. These challenges are typically addressed through the adoption of new technologies, continuous staff training, and close collaboration with local governments and community organizations. Effective communication skills and adaptability are crucial, as roles often involve working with diverse teams, educating the public, and responding to regulatory changes.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs in solid waste management typically do not pay $2,000 a day; high earnings in this field are usually associated with executive or consulting roles, which may require extensive experience, certifications, and specialized skills. Most standard positions, such as waste collectors or technicians, have lower daily wages. High-paying opportunities are often found in management, environmental consulting, or specialized contracting roles.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

In solid waste management, roles such as manual waste collectors may decline as automation and robotics increasingly handle waste collection and sorting. Jobs involving manual sorting or basic collection are at risk of being replaced by advanced machinery, while roles requiring technical skills in operating and maintaining automated systems are expected to grow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Solid Waste Management, and why are they important?

To thrive in Solid Waste Management, you need knowledge of waste collection, disposal regulations, environmental science, and often a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with waste management software, recycling technologies, and compliance systems is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help professionals manage teams, coordinate logistics, and engage with the community. These skills ensure efficient operations, regulatory compliance, and environmental sustainability in waste management services.
More about Solid Waste Management jobs
What cities are hiring for Solid Waste Management jobs? Cities with the most Solid Waste Management job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Solid Waste Management jobs? The most popular types of Solid Waste Management jobs are:
What states have the most Solid Waste Management jobs? States with the most job openings for Solid Waste Management jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Solid Waste Management jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Solid Waste Management jobs are:
Infographic showing various Solid Waste Management job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,893 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Solid Waste Engineer

Essel

Pleasanton, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Essel is looking for a Mid to Senior Level Solid Waste Engineer to manage and work on diverse solid waste projects. In this role you will help manage projects, developing proposals and will also be directly involved with public and private clients in marketing, client management, and project production.
Responsibilities include project management, business development, and staff development. Project responsibility will have a primary focus on solid waste management, including landfill gas, landfills and landfill infrastructure, composting, and other projects, which may require design, engineering, permitting, construction and/or operations support. You can be hybrid out of our San Diego, Long Beach, Pleasanton, or Sacramento office. Remote work might also be considered if you live in California.
  • Apply intensive and diversified knowledge of engineering and scientific principles and practices in solid waste assignment areas and related fields.
  • Prepare engineering calculations, drawings, reports, and permit applications.
  • Make decisions independently on engineering or scientific problems and methods, plans and coordinate work, and represent us at meetings and conferences.
  • Field work performed by high/driving in varied terrain and weather will be required, including but not limited to, surveys/data gathering, CQA liner installations, inspections, etc.
  • Office-based tasks including: CAD drafting, mathematical calculations, report writing, creating site plans and facility diagrams, and permit applications.
  • Business development including: proposal preparation, meeting with clients, and attending industry-related conferences/trade shows.
  • Receive technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed plans or projects.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering field required.
  • Minimum of 6 years of relevant working knowledge/demonstrated consulting experience with projects specific to the solid waste industry, including:
    • Landfill gas management, air compliance, and landfill design and permitting is required.
  • E.I.T. required and California P.E (civil) registration or ability to obtain within 6 months preferred.
  • Valid driver's license with a driving record in good standing required.

Benefits
  • Medical, dental, vision, 401K, and employer-funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Student Debt Employer Contribution Program
  • Paid holidays and PTO