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Waste Collection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Olathe

Solid Waste Collection Operator

Olathe, KS · On-site

$23.75 - $29/hr

Employment Type Full Time Job Summary Drive Your Career Forward - Join the City of Olathe as a Commercial Solid Waste Collection Operator (Front-Load Dumpster Routes) Do you have a Kansas Class A or ...

City of Roanoke, VA

Solid Waste Manager

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$84.15K - $134.64K/yr

The successful candidate will manage a robust, fully-automated collection process for its solid waste and recycling programs as well as an innovative downtown collection system. The Solid Waste ...

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How much do waste collection jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for waste collection in the United States is $22.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Waste Collection Worker, you need physical stamina, reliability, and a basic understanding of safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with waste collection vehicles, hydraulic equipment, and possibly a commercial driver's license (CDL) are typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail help individuals excel in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring efficient, safe, and timely waste removal services that support public health and community cleanliness.

What are some common challenges faced by waste collection workers, and how can they be managed?

Waste collection workers often encounter challenges such as exposure to unpleasant odors, heavy lifting, and working in varying weather conditions. These challenges are typically managed through the use of personal protective equipment, adherence to safety protocols, and proper lifting techniques. Teamwork and clear communication with colleagues are also essential for efficiently navigating busy routes and ensuring safety. Many employers offer regular safety training and ergonomic support to help workers stay healthy and productive.

What are waste collectors and what do they do?

Waste collectors, also known as garbage collectors or sanitation workers, are responsible for collecting and transporting garbage, recyclables, and other waste materials from homes, businesses, and public places to disposal sites or recycling centers. Their work ensures that communities remain clean, safe, and hygienic. Waste collectors may operate trucks, lift heavy bins, and follow specific routes to complete their tasks efficiently. This job often requires physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and knowledge of local waste disposal regulations.

What is the difference between Waste Collection vs Waste Disposal Worker?

AspectWaste CollectionWaste Disposal Worker
CredentialsDriver's license, safety trainingSafety training, possibly CDL
Work EnvironmentResidential/commercial neighborhoods, streetsLandfills, waste processing facilities
Industry UsageCollects waste from sourcesProcesses or disposes of waste

Waste Collection involves gathering waste from homes and businesses, focusing on transportation to disposal sites. Waste Disposal Workers handle the actual processing or disposal of waste at landfills or treatment plants. While both roles are essential in waste management, Waste Collection is primarily about collection and transportation, whereas Waste Disposal Workers focus on waste processing and disposal activities.

More about Waste Collection jobs
What cities are hiring for Waste Collection jobs? Cities with the most Waste Collection job openings:
What states have the most Waste Collection jobs? States with the most job openings for Waste Collection jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Waste Collection jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Waste Collection jobs are:
Waste Collection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Waste Collection job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,001 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
Solid Waste Collection Operator

Solid Waste Collection Operator

City of Olathe

Olathe, KS

$23.75 - $29/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

City Of Olathe rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

389th of 639 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Commercial Solid Waste Collection Operator (Front-Load Dumpster Routes)

Drive Your Career Forward - Join the City of Olathe as a Commercial Solid Waste Collection Operator (Front-Load Dumpster Routes)

Do you have a Kansas Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and are looking for stable work, competitive pay, and a role serving the community through commercial front-load dumpster collection? Do you enjoy spending your workday on the road, operating large trucks, and making a positive impact on the environment? If so, this could be the right opportunity for you.

Why Join Us?

The City of Olathe's Solid Waste Division is nationally recognized for excellence in customer service and operational performance. Our culture is grounded in Customer Service, Teamwork, Learning, Communication, and Leadership through Service. We foster a supportive, empowered workplace and invest in employees through paid training and professional developmentensuring every team member plays an essential role in our success.

Competitive Pay and Incentives

  • Pay Range: Starting at $23.75, up to $29.00 per hour, based on qualifications.
  • Incentive Based Pay Structure: Rewards efficiency--employees receive a full day's pay, even when routes are completed early.
  • Overtime Eligibility: Overtime is paid for hours worked over 40 per week.
  • $4,000 New Hire Bonus (paid in three installments):
    • $1,000 after 30 days of employment
    • $1,000 after six months employment
    • $2,000 after one year of employment

???? To receive each installment, you must be actively employed at the time of payout and successfully meeting introductory period requirements. Current City of Olathe employees are not eligible.

Additional Perks:

  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Wellbeing Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Work Schedule & Holidays

  • Schedule: Monday - Friday 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM, or until all routes are completed.
  • Holidays Off: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
  • Other Holidays: Required to work all other holidays.

If you're ready to build a rewarding career while making a visible difference in the community, apply today and join the City of Olathe's dedicated Solid Waste team.

Pre-Employment Requirements

  • Employment Verification
  • Reference Check
  • Criminal Background Check
  • Driving Record Review
  • DOT Physical Exam & Agility Screening
  • Drug Screening

The Solid Waste Collection Operator performs the activities and operations of the assigned solid waste collection work group by the collection of residential, commercial, curbside recycling and bulky item refuse. The pick-up of material may be by automated, semi-automated or manual. This position performs skilled refuse equipment operation and routine maintenance of equipment and adheres to all safe work practices, safety procedures and safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Prepares refuse collection equipment for daily operations by conducting pre-operations inspection, routine maintenance and cleaning of the equipment, ensuring proper working condition; ensures that the equipment and vehicles associated with the division are operated in compliance with Federal, State and local codes, ordinances and regulations.
  • Completes daily route assignments and transports refuse to the Solid Waste Transfer Station or approved disposal, recycling, or composting facility as directed.
  • Completes daily reports and related documentation and correspondence for operations within the area of responsibility.
  • Cooperates with immediate supervisors to ensure customer service requests are resolved, responding to public inquiries in a courteous manner, providing information within the area of assignment and resolving complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
  • Takes a role in implementing the safety culture of the division; ensures adherence to safe work practices, procedures and compliance with Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Qualifications

  • Experience: One year of related experience is preferred.
  • Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Licenses & Certifications : A class B commercial driver's license with air-brake endorsement and favorable driving record are required.

Apply