1

Waste Collection Driver Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

SOLID WASTE MANAGER

Bernalillo, NM · On-site

$70.12 - $84.14/hr

Valid New Mexico Commercial driver's license (CDL) or the ability to obtain a valid New Mexico ... Solid waste and recycling collection and disposal operations, materials, methods, principles ...

CDL B Driver

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$20.25 - $25.75/hr

... waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial ... The Environmental Driver Specialist CDLB will travel to customer locations on an assigned route and ...

CDL B Driver

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$22.50/hr

... waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial ... The Environmental Driver Specialist CDLB will travel to customer locations on an assigned route and ...

CDL B Driver

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$20.25 - $25.75/hr

... waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial ... The Environmental Driver Specialist CDLB will travel to customer locations on an assigned route and ...

CDL B Driver

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$20.25 - $25.75/hr

... waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial ... The Environmental Driver Specialist CDLB will travel to customer locations on an assigned route and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Waste Collection Driver information

See New Mexico salary details

$15

$21

$27

How much do waste collection driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for waste collection driver in New Mexico is $21.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $23.51 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 are popular job titles related to Waste Collection Driver jobs in NM?

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

Infographic showing various Waste Collection Driver job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,579 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Commercial Collections Driver

City of Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$45K - $47K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


City Of Albuquerque rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

594th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Summary Perform commercial refuse collection and transport duties and activities utilizing roll-offs, rear loaders or transfer trucks utilizing a Power Take Off (PTO) and ancillary devices; maintain assigned collection equipment and perform a variety of other assigned duties in support of the Solid Waste Department. This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing. Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification.

Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. Essential and Supplemental Functions ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Drive to collection points; activate controls with a Power Take Off (PTO) that operate hydraulic systems; disengage lock-hooks or tarp roll-off type containers. Pick-up and haul garbage and refuse; activate controls with a Power Take Off (PTO) that operate hydraulic lifting forks; engage forks in lifting channels on lift bin; empty refuse containers into garbage compactor truck and sweep and load spillage; operate and engage hydraulic compactor to compact refuse and assist with unloading of refuse truck at landfill; receive instruction in operation of compaction truck. Assume responsibility for assigned commercial refuse collection routes.

Perform daily routine maintenance on assigned equipment and assist with repairs as necessary; perform pre-trip, trip and post-trip inspection. Confer with supervisor regarding basic operational decisions; make supplementary decisions necessary to perform assigned duties. Assist in the maintenance and repair of refuse containers and roll-off boxes.

Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures. Submit daily work activity and equipment status reports to higher level supervisory personnel. Operate a variety of equipment, vehicles and transport trailers used in cleaning streets, interstate highways, medians, and open space areas including front-end loaders, tractors, mowers and sweepers.

Operate all attachments used for transporting vehicles including hoists, drums, hydraulic systems and other auxiliary equipment; transport vehicles to appropriate location. Operate a variety of heavy equipment, boom truck, hydraulic lift systems, transport refuse via tractor trailer and transfer refuse carts/containers to designated locations. SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS: Perform a variety of general maintenance work as needed; pick-up any debris too large for compactor trucks.

May direct and coordinate the activities of laborers in order to accomplish assigned tasks. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements High School Diploma or GED or successful completion of two (2) WorkKeys Skills Assessments (listed below); and One (1) year of driving experience which required the possession of a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) preferred. Experience with Power Take Off (PTO) and ancillary devices and its functions preferred. Coursework in automotive technology, transportation technology or truck driving preferred.

If applicant does not possess a valid High School Diploma or GED WorkKeys skills assessments must be successfully completed by the prospective candidate in order to apply for this position. Click here for information on how to schedule a Workkeys assessment. Workkeysassessment scores needed for this position are as follows: Workplace Documents with a minimum score of Level 3 Graphic Literacy with a minimum score of Level 3 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid New Mexico Commercial Driver's License (CDL); class A or B.

Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire. Trainees must successfully complete both classroom and on the job training (OJT) instruction for refuse collection service. Required to work weekends and holidays.

Working Conditions Environmental: Field and landfill environment; travel from site to site; work around heavy equipment; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, potentially hazardous chemicals, waste and infectious materials; inclement weather conditions. Physical: Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for moderate to heavy lifting; walking, standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time; operating motorized equipment and vehicles.


What City Of Albuquerque employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom