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Solid Waste Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Essel

Solid Waste Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site +1

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 ...

Trihydro Corporation

Solid Waste Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

Job Title Solid Waste Engineer Job Type Full-time Location Roseville, CA 95747 US San Luis Obispo ... Working knowledge of health and safety practices and a commitment to safe operations. * Proficiency ...

Trihydro Corporation

Solid Waste Engineer

Casper, WY · On-site

Job Title Solid Waste Engineer Job Type Full-time Location Casper, WY US Cheyenne, WY US Lander, WY ... Working knowledge of health and safety practices and a commitment to safe operations. * Proficiency ...

Essel

Solid Waste Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site +1

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 ...

Essel

Solid Waste Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site +1

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 ...

Essel

Solid Waste Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

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 ...

Essel

Solid Waste Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

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 ...

Essel

Solid Waste Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

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 ...

Essel

Solid Waste Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

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 ...

Essel

Solid Waste Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

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 ...

TRC Companies, Inc.

Solid Waste Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

Working at TRC means tackling interesting, meaningful projects. We pride ourselves on our ... Overview We are seeking an experienced Solid Waste Engineer (Project Level or Senior Level) to join ...

City of Goldsboro

Solid Waste Technician

Goldsboro, PA · On-site

$31K - $50K/yr

An employee in this category will be expected to assist with all aspects of solid waste collection ... Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other co-workers ...

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 ... Follow strict safety protocols during waste handling to minimize risks and maintain a safe working ...

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 ... Follow strict safety protocols during waste handling to minimize risks and maintain a safe working ...

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 ... Follow strict safety protocols during waste handling to minimize risks and maintain a safe working ...

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Solid Waste Worker information

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How much do solid waste worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for solid waste worker in the United States is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Solid Waste Worker vs Recycling Technician?

AspectSolid Waste WorkerRecycling Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require CDLHigh school diploma or equivalent; may require certifications in waste management
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on collection routes, often physically demandingIndoor and outdoor, sorting and processing recyclable materials
Employer & IndustryMunicipal waste management, private waste collectionRecycling centers, waste management companies
Common Search/ComparisonSolid Waste Worker vs Recycling Technician

The main difference between a Solid Waste Worker and a Recycling Technician lies in their focus and work environment. Solid Waste Workers primarily handle waste collection from residential or commercial areas, often working outdoors on collection routes. Recycling Technicians, on the other hand, focus on sorting and processing recyclable materials, working in recycling centers. Both roles require similar credentials but serve different functions within waste management, making them common points of comparison for job seekers in the industry.

What are solid waste workers?

Solid waste workers are professionals responsible for collecting, transporting, and disposing of garbage, recyclables, and other waste materials from homes, businesses, and public spaces. They operate garbage trucks and other equipment, ensure that waste is properly sorted, and follow safety and environmental guidelines to protect the community and environment. Solid waste workers play a key role in keeping cities clean and supporting recycling efforts.

What are some common challenges Solid Waste Workers face on the job, and how can they prepare for them?

Solid Waste Workers often encounter challenges such as exposure to harsh weather conditions, handling heavy or bulky materials, and maintaining safety when dealing with hazardous or unsanitary waste. To prepare, it's important to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, stay mindful of proper lifting techniques, and follow all safety protocols provided by the employer. Building physical stamina and paying close attention to team communication also help ensure both personal safety and efficient workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Solid Waste Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solid Waste Worker, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with refuse collection vehicles, safety equipment, and sometimes a commercial driver's license (CDL) is typically required. Dependability, teamwork, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial to ensure safe, efficient waste collection and disposal, which helps maintain community cleanliness and public health.
What cities are hiring for Solid Waste Worker jobs? Cities with the most Solid Waste Worker job openings:
What states have the most Solid Waste Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Solid Waste Worker jobs include:
Solid Waste Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solid Waste Worker job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,529 per year, or $17.1 per hour.
Solid Waste Engineer

Solid Waste Engineer

Essel

Pleasanton, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

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

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