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Waste Collection Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

APTIM

Reconcile waste shipments at the collection facility against shipping documents and Waste Turn-In ... A CDL with Hazardous Materials (H) and Tanker (N) endorsements is highly preferred due to the ov ...

Athens Services

Driver Helper

Irwindale, CA · On-site

$21.51 - $22.01/hr

Summary All Driver's Trainees ("Trainees") employed by Athens Services are responsible for all assigned waste collection. It is expected that every Trainee employee will conduct his/her self in a ...

Athens Services

Driver Helper

Irwindale, CA · On-site

$21.51 - $22.01/hr

Summary All Driver's Trainees ("Trainees") employed by Athens Services are responsible for all assigned waste collection. It is expected that every Trainee employee will conduct his/her self in a ...

Athens Services

Driver Helper

Irwindale, CA · On-site

$20.62 - $21.37/hr

Summary All Driver's Trainees ("Trainees") employed by Athens Services are responsible for all assigned waste collection. It is expected that every Trainee employee will conduct his/her self in a ...

Athens Services

Driver Helper

Irwindale, CA · On-site

$20.62 - $21.37/hr

Summary All Driver's Trainees ("Trainees") employed by Athens Services are responsible for all assigned waste collection. It is expected that every Trainee employee will conduct his/her self in a ...

Veolia

CDL B Driver

Pomona, CA · On-site

$29 - $30/hr

... waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial ... Valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) * Hazmat and Tanker endorsement * Able to pass a ...

Veolia

CDL A Driver

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Possess a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License. * By law, you must be at least 21 years of age ... waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial ...

Clean Earth Holdings

Driver Assistant DEA

Compton, CA · On-site

$21/hr

Ride along with a CDL Driver to assist with duties at their stops. Video the destruction process of ... Drive non-DOT regulated vehicle to customer sites to witness regulated waste collection as needed.

New

Waste Connections

Operations Supervisor

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Assign and supervise work crews operating solid waste collection equipment. * Monitors progress of ... Have or ability to obtain within 90 days your Class B CDL. * Excellent written and interpersonal ...

Veolia

CDL A Driver

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

... Driver Veolia has acquired Clean Earth. As Clean Earth completes its integration into Veolia ... waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial ...

Waste Connections Inc

Operations Supervisor

Livermore, CA · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Lead and assign work crews operating solid waste collection equipment. * Monitor daily operations ... Ability to obtain a Class B CDL within 90 days. * Strong written and interpersonal communication ...

Veolia

Lab Pack Chemist I

San Jose, CA

Perform onsite services which may include waste collection, consolidation (i.e., bulking ... Driver's License with clear record * Moderate to extensive travel with 20% overnight travel

Veolia

Environmental Driver Specialist CDLA

San Jose, CA · On-site

$34/hr

Environmental Driver Specialist CDLA Veolia has acquired Clean Earth. As Clean Earth completes its ... waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial ...

Veolia

Environmental Driver Specialist CDLA

Lynwood, CA · On-site

$29 - $30/hr

Environmental Driver Specialist CDLA Veolia has acquired Clean Earth. As Clean Earth completes its ... waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial ...

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All JobsWaste Collection Driver JobsWaste Collection Driver Jobs in California

Waste Collection Driver information

See California salary details

$15

$21

$28

How much do waste collection driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for waste collection driver in California is $21.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a waste collection driver do?

A Waste Collection Driver is responsible for operating garbage trucks to collect waste and recyclables from homes, businesses, and public areas. They follow assigned routes, ensure the safe and efficient loading and unloading of materials, and transport them to designated disposal or recycling facilities. Waste Collection Drivers also inspect their vehicles for safety, maintain proper records, and comply with local regulations regarding waste handling. The role is essential for keeping communities clean and supporting environmental sustainability.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a waste collection driver?

To thrive as a Waste Collection Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), good driving record, and knowledge of safety and waste handling protocols. Familiarity with waste collection vehicles, GPS navigation systems, and hydraulic equipment is typically required. Reliability, physical stamina, and strong communication skills are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and timely waste collection, contributing to public health and community cleanliness.

What challenges do waste collection drivers face during their routes?

Waste Collection Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating narrow streets, dealing with inclement weather, and managing heavy or improperly disposed waste. Companies usually provide regular safety training, route optimization technology, and support from dispatch teams to help drivers overcome these issues. Teamwork and clear communication with route supervisors and maintenance staff are also essential for addressing equipment malfunctions or unexpected obstacles efficiently.

What is the difference between Waste Collection Driver vs Recycling Truck Driver?

AspectWaste Collection DriverRecycling Truck Driver
CredentialsDriver's license, CDL often preferredDriver's license, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentResidential/commercial waste pickupRecycling material collection from neighborhoods or facilities
Industry UsageMunicipal waste management, private waste servicesRecycling programs, environmental services
Job Search IntentWaste disposal, trash collectionRecycling collection, environmental sustainability

Both Waste Collection Drivers and Recycling Truck Drivers operate in waste management, often requiring similar licenses and working in residential or commercial settings. The main difference lies in their focus: Waste Collection Drivers handle general trash, while Recycling Truck Drivers specialize in collecting recyclable materials. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and interests.

What cities in California are hiring for Waste Collection Driver jobs?

Cities in California with the most Waste Collection Driver job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Waste Collection Driver jobs in CA?

For Waste Collection Driver jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Waste Collection Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Waste Collection Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,399 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Containerized Solid Waste Technician

APTIM

On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform waste collection, segregation, packaging, and processing of containerized hazardous waste, non-hazardous waste, universal waste, and recyclables at NAS Lemoore.

  • Reconcile waste shipments, inspect and process waste containers, and coordinate reuse or recycling of materials before waste designation.

  • Respond to and contain oil and hazardous substance spills, arriving within one hour of notification and performing containment and cleanup activities.

APTIM rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Overview:
The Containerized Solid Waste (CSW) Technician performs hands-on operations relating to the collection, characterization, packaging, segregation, labeling, transportation, and temporary storage of containerized hazardous waste, non-hazardous waste, universal waste, and recyclable materials at NAS Lemoore. Operating out of the project's central accumulation areas and waste facilities, this role ensures absolute compliance with federal, state, local, and Department of the Navy regulations. The CSW Technician serves as a technical expert in field screening, point-of-service logistics, and onshore spill containment.
Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities:
1. Containerized Waste Collection & Processing
  • Scheduled & Unscheduled Collections: Execute routine, scheduled daily and weekly waste collections from industrial facilities, maintenance hangars, flight line support areas, and administrative offices across NAS Lemoore. Respond to non-routine (unscheduled) waste pickup requests from base activities within three business days.
  • Receiving & Reconciliation: Reconcile waste shipments at the collection facility against shipping documents and Waste Turn-In Forms. Resolve discrepancies such as leaking containers, misidentifications, and missing paperwork upon discovery.
  • Segregation & Bulking: Process all collected wastes within two working days of receipt. Maintain strict physical separation of incompatible chemicals. Perform hands-on waste sorting, hazard segregation, consolidating (bulking), labpacking, and repackaging into DOT-compliant containers for storage and off-site disposal.
  • Reusables Screening: Inspect unopened or unused containerized materials and coordinate with the Fleet Logistics and Supply Center (FLSC) Reuse Facility or the DLA Disposition Services office for potential material reuse or recycling before designating them as waste.

2. Point-of-Service Weighing & Scale Maintenance
  • Accurate Weighing: Weigh all waste collected at customer sites and document the exact weights on Waste Turn-In Forms.
  • Scale Calibrations: Operate and maintain truck-mounted and facility-based scales. Ensure all scales are calibrated by a professional scale calibration company at least once every six months (quarterly recommended) to accurately measure weights ranging from 1 pound to 3,000 pounds in 1-pound increments. Maintain and archive all scale calibration certificates.

3. Spill Response
  • Spill Containment: Function as a primary responder for oil and hazardous substance (OHS) spills. Be available during normal working hours to perform containment and cleanup.
  • Response Window: Arrive at the spill site with the necessary containment materials and equipment within one (1) hour of notification from the COR, Federal Fire Department, or Installation Environmental Management Office.
  • Containment Scope: Contain releases safely on land (excluding sewage, bioinfectious waste, or releases requiring Level A/B Personal Protective Equipment).

4. Recycling Programs
  • Program Execution: Implement the site-specific Recycling Plan, sorting and processing lead-acid batteries, toner cartridges, universal waste, and mercury-containing light bulbs.
  • Container Management: Clean, crush, or cut up empty plastic and metal containers that cannot be reused, preparing them for delivery to the base recycling facility

Basic Qualifications:
  • Education: High school diploma (or equivalent) combined with equivalent hands-on experience as an environmental, mechanical, or chemical technician. An Associate's degree in environmental technology, chemistry, or a related science is highly preferred.
  • Experience: A minimum of 1 to 3 years of direct, hands-on experience in hazardous waste operations, chemical handling, environmental sampling, or industrial plant services.
  • California Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Requirement (MANDATORY DECLARATION): Applicants must explicitly state in their application if they hold a current and valid California Commercial Driver's License (CDL) (Class A or B). A CDL with Hazardous Materials (H) and Tanker (N) endorsements is highly preferred due to the over-the-road transport requirements for containerized hazardous wastes.
  • Certifications: Active OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.120 (with current 8-hour annual refresher). DOT Hazmat Transportation Certification in accordance with Title 49 CFR 172.700 (or ability to complete within standard phase-in/on-the-job training period).
  • Base Access: Must be a U.S. citizen or provide satisfactory Proof of Legal Residency. Must pass federal background checks and maintain eligibility for enrollment in the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) and obtain a Common Access Card (CAC) to access restricted areas of NAS Lemoore.
  • Language & Communication: Must speak, read, and write English fluently to interpret installation specifications, safety data sheets (SDS), regulatory codes, and draft technical spill reports

About APTIM
APTIM enhances the quality of the environment, wellbeing of people, resilience of communities, and opportunity for employees to make a difference, not just a living. A leading professional solutions firm, we specialize in environmental, sustainability, resilience, and infrastructure solutions. Our team of experts provide these integrated solutions for forward-thinking government agencies, commercial and industrial clients, and energy customers. Together, we create sustainable and resilient communities for all.
What you can expect from APTIM:
  • Work that is worthy of your time and talent
  • Respect and flexibility to live a full life at work and at home
  • Dogged determination to deliver for our clients and communities
  • A voice in making our company better
  • Investment into your personal and professional development

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay rate for this position is $36.78 per hour. Compensation depends on several factors including experience, education, key skills, geographic location of the position, client requirements, external market competitiveness, and internal equity among other employees within APTIM.
Employee Benefits
APTIM Federal Services, LLC is committed to providing an extensive range of benefits that protect and promote the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families through the APTIM Benefits Marketplace https://aptim.makeityoursource.com/.
  • Medical, vision, and dental insurance: Through the marketplace, our employees can choose benefits from five metallic levels and several carriers to find the right benefits that work for them in their location.
  • Company paid and optional Life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity coverage
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave (eligibility based on company policy and applicable law)
  • 401(k) APTIM offers three 401k plans through the Aon Pooled Employer Plan (PEP). The specific plan you are eligible for depends on the business unit you are in. The details of the largest plan are found here:
    • APTIM 401(k) Guide
    • APTIM - Helpful Documents

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