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Waste Collection Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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

Refuse Driver

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$49K - $74K/yr

... Driver with strong driving, safety, operational, and customer service abilities. The ideal ... This position performs a wide range of solid waste collection, transportation, transfer, recycling ...

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

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

Perform onsite services which may include waste collection, consolidation (i.e., bulking ... Driver's License with clear record * Moderate to extensive travel with 2% overnight travel

CDL B 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 ...

Perform onsite services which may include waste collection, consolidation (i.e., bulking ... Driver's License with clear record * Moderate to extensive travel with 2% overnight travel

Perform onsite services which may include waste collection, consolidation (i.e., bulking ... Driver's License with clear record * Moderate to extensive travel with 2% overnight travel

Showing results 41-60

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:

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.

Lab Pack Chemist I

Enviri Corporation

San Jose, CA • On-site

$33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Veolia has acquired Clean Earth. As Clean Earth completes its integration into Veolia, recruiting and hiring for this role is being managed in partnership with the Clean Earth talent acquisition team.

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.

Job Description

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Handles hazardous materials including inventorying, identifying, segregating, and packaging waste material in accordance with Lab Pack policies, procedures and practices and all applicable regulations.
  • Perform onsite services which may include waste collection, consolidation (i.e., bulking, repackaging), sampling, safety/compliance inspections, and other related activities required by the customer/contract.
  • Assists other business groups, i.e., Depack, Retail and HHW, for both internally and onsite as needed. Preparing shipment of packaged waste by inspecting, labeling, marking, and loading into the transport vehicle
  •  Properly completes documentation including shipping papers, Land Disposal Restrictions (LDR's), evaluations/certifications and other required documentation in accordance with appropriate regulations and procedures.
  • May require obtaining and maintaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Hazmat Endorsement to legally operate Clean Earth vehicles necessary for transporting personnel and waste to and from customers' job locations.
  • Follows, understands, and promotes by example, all Health & Safety /Job Safety Analysis (JSA's) procedures including development of on-site Health &Safety plans/JSA's as outlined in the procedures and policies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Starting pay $33.00 hourly. 

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

  • An associate's degree in general science  (BS preferred) is required for the Lab Pack Chemist.
  • Driver's License with clear record
  • Moderate to extensive travel with 20% overnight travel
  • Physical ability to lift and move material of various weights frequently exceeding 55 lbs.
  • Basic understanding of chemistry through general chemistry or biology 

This position requires a CDL B to be obtained within a 6-month period from your start date. Failure to obtain a CDL B within the 6-month period will mean you are no longer eligible for the Lab Pack Chemist position.

This position is also contingent upon successful completion of a DOT physical, DOT Drug Screen and any other DOL or company requirements.

Additional Information

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, commencing no later than January 1, 2027, benefits package will include participation in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement. Pay and benefits for employees represented by a union are outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.