ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Solid Waste Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Orange County, NC

Solid Waste Collector Driver A*

NC · On-site

$44K - $51K/yr

Solid Waste Management, NC Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 104-2026-883 Department: Solid Waste Management Opening Date: 06/30/2026 Closing Date: Continuous General Description The Orange County ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSolid Waste JobsSolid Waste Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Solid Waste information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$20

$47

How much do solid waste jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for solid waste in Raleigh, NC is $20.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $20.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Solid Waste Technician, you need knowledge of waste management practices, safety procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as compactors, collection trucks, and sometimes hazardous material handling certifications are important. Dependability, attention to detail, and strong teamwork skills help ensure efficient and safe operations. These competencies are crucial for maintaining community health, environmental safety, and regulatory compliance in solid waste management.

What are solid waste workers?

Solid waste workers are professionals responsible for the collection, transportation, and disposal of garbage, recyclables, and other waste materials. They ensure that waste is managed safely and efficiently to protect public health and the environment. Their duties may include operating garbage trucks, sorting recyclables, and maintaining waste management equipment. Solid waste workers often work for municipal governments or private waste management companies and play a crucial role in keeping communities clean.

What are some of the common challenges faced by solid waste professionals, and how can these be addressed on the job?

Solid waste professionals often encounter challenges such as managing large volumes of waste, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and addressing community concerns about waste facilities. These challenges can be addressed through effective teamwork, ongoing training on safety and compliance, and strong communication skills when interacting with the public or regulatory agencies. Staying informed about new technologies and sustainability practices also helps professionals improve operational efficiency and environmental outcomes.

What is the difference between Solid Waste vs Waste Management Technician?

AspectSolid WasteWaste Management Technician
CertificationsNone required, but CDL or safety training helpfulOSHA safety training, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentLandfills, collection routes, recycling centersCollection trucks, disposal sites, recycling facilities
Industry UsagePublic sanitation, waste collection, disposalWaste collection, processing, environmental services

Solid Waste workers focus on waste collection and disposal, often working at landfills or recycling centers. Waste Management Technicians perform similar tasks but may have additional responsibilities like operating equipment or handling hazardous waste. Both roles require safety training and are essential in waste management services.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solid Waste jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Solid Waste jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Solid Waste jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Solid Waste job openings:
Solid Waste jobs near you
Solid Waste Collector

Solid Waste Collector

Town of Wake Forest, NC

Wake Forest, NC • On-site

$41K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Salary : $41,911.00 Annually
Location : Public Works Operations Center, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 202600158
Department: Public Works
Division: Solid Waste
Opening Date: 07/06/2026
Closing Date: 8/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Employees in this class perform manual labor in collecting leaves, grass, limbs, and other debris from the Town. Work also included emptying waste receptacles along greenways, dog parks, and inside the town. The employees are subject to working in an outside environment, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, vibration, and moving mechanical parts. Work involves riding in a truck and getting out at each stop to pick up debris and load it into a truck. Based on the operational needs of the division, the employee may be required to perform physical labor to include riding from the "back" of the refuse vehicle. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Solid Waste Supervisor and is performed under the direct observation of the Solid Waste Equipment Operator.
Employee Values: Employees of the Town of Wake Forest are expected to uphold and exhibit the Town's shared employee values of caring, commitment, character, and collaboration.
Essential Functions
Essential Duties and Tasks
  • Picks up limbs, bags of grass clippings, and leaves at the side of each yard.
  • Empties trash cans on assigned route in dog parks, greenways and downtown.
  • Assembles garbage bins and recycling containers.
  • Delivers trash cans and recycling bins.
  • Picks up piles of bags, trash and debris left by contractors and lawn services.
  • Picks up storm debris.
  • Rides truck to and from locations.
  • Participates in the annual leaf collection program.
  • Assists other public works departments as needed.
  • Drives truck on assigned route as a back-up driver as needed.
  • Picks up piles of tree limbs and debris left by other town crews.
  • Operates hand tools as needed.
  • Performs routine cleaning and maintenance on truck and equipment.
  • Performs related tasks as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Recruitment and Selection Guidelines
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Working knowledge of the methods and techniques applied in unskilled manual labor.
Working knowledge of standard hand tools, light equipment operation, and materials used in assigned work.
Working knowledge of the occupational hazards and applicable safety precautions associated with assigned work.
Ability to work cooperatively as a team member and respond courteously to citizens.
Ability to understand and follow specific oral instructions.
Ability to read and follow maps.
Ability to drive a truck.
Ability to perform repetitive manual labor.
Ability to perform manual labor for long periods.
Desirable Education and Experience
Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school with some experience performing manual labor work.
Special Requirement
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
Physical Requirements
Work in this class is very physical and requires physical stamina and dexterity to lift heavy amounts of debris and cans for a sustained period. The employee must be able to physically perform the physical functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 50 to 75 pounds of force frequently, and 20 pounds constantly.
Once an offer of employment has been extended, candidates will undergo a thorough background investigation, including NC State Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting.
The link below provides a summary of the major benefits provided to new full-time, regular employees with the Town of Wake Forest.
Details about benefits and costs for full-time employees is available under the Human Resources Department tab on the Town's website. The Town Provides:
  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Optional Vision coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Programs
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Health Savings Accounts
  • Pension
  • Deferred Compensation (457) Plan and 401(k)
  • Social Security
  • Credit Union
  • Employee Assistance Program

Apply