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Waste Collection Driver Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

City of Ottawa

Waste Collection Operator

Ottawa, ON

CA$61K - CA$72K/yr

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES Valid Ontario unrestricted DZ class driver's licence (or provincial equivalent) with no more than 6 demerit points accumulated KNOWLEDGE * Waste collection practices

Waste Connections Inc

DZ Waste Truck Driver

Concord, ON · On-site

... waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services to local residents and businesses ... As a driver with us the minimum responsibilities are: * Safely operating a waste truck on specified ...

Waste Connections Inc

DZ Waste Truck Driver

Concord, ON · On-site

CA$35.53/hr

... waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services to local residents and businesses ... As a driver with us the minimum responsibilities are: * Safely operating a waste truck on specified ...

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Waste Collection Driver information

See Ontario salary details

$11

$19

$27

How much do waste collection driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for waste collection driver in Ontario is $19.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $22.36 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 Ontario?

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

What job categories do people searching Waste Collection Driver jobs in Ontario look for?

The top searched job categories for Waste Collection Driver jobs in Ontario are:

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

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

Waste Collection Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Waste Collection Driver job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,492 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Waste Collection Operator

City of Ottawa

Ottawa, ON

CA$61K - CA$72K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Requisition ID: 23415 
Department: Public Works Dept. 
Service: Solid Waste Services 
Employment Type: Multiple Full-time Permanent
Work Hours: 40.00/hours per week
Affiliation: CUPE 503 - In/Out/Curbside Waste 
Salary Information: $61,863.36- $72,377.76 annually (2024 rates of pay)
Location: 2799 Swansea Crescent 
Job Category: Labourer Jobs
Application Close: 31/12/2026

JOB SUMMARY

The Collections Operations Unit oversees residential waste collection programs and services, including garbage, recycling, organics, yard and leaf waste, for the city's designated collection zone, which currently serves 70,000 homes.

You are responsible for operating vehicles and equipment and performing general labor in the collection and disposal of trash, brush, organics, solid waste, or recycling materials (blue/black bins).

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of Grade 10.

Minimum of two (2) years of recycling and refuse collection experience. Additional years of driving heavy road equipment may offset years of experience in the waste collection industry.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES
Valid Ontario unrestricted DZ class driver's licence (or provincial equivalent) with no more than 6 demerit points accumulated
KNOWLEDGE
  • Waste collection practices
  • Ontario Highway Traffic Act and related regulations involved in equipment operation
  • Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA)
  • Understanding of mechanical and hydraulic systems to safely operate waste collection equipment
  • Hazards, precautions, and safe operating practices for operating waste collection vehicles and equipment
  • Performance capabilities of equipment used for waste collection activities 
  • Proper lifting techniques
  • WHMIS, First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
  • Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers
COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Operation of heavy equipment used for solid waste collection
  • Read and follow route maps, drawings, and street signs
  • Understand and follow written and oral instructions
  • Able to successfully complete a Post-Offer Employment Test 
  • Able to keep detailed, accurate records concerning materials received, processed, and disbursed as well as required equipment service records
  • Able to work independently and unsupervised while on assigned route
  • Understand and demonstrate safe working practices
  • Establish and maintain a good working relationship with management, other employees, and the public
  • Ability to interact effectively with members of the public 
  • Able to climb to and from the operator's position and possess the manual dexterity and coordination to use both hands and feet simultaneously to operate a machine
  • Ability to work in a physical demanding environment, including the ability to lift up to 75lbs
  • Use a high-pressure water hose to clean solid waste equipment
  • Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the outdoor elements

Core Behaviours

Core behaviours define the City's expectations of the behaviours employees should demonstrate in performing their work.  They are reflective of the City's culture and values and guide all our present and future activities.  Every employee is encouraged to learn, embody and demonstrate these core behaviours.

Review the Core Behaviours.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Language Requirement: English oral, reading, writing
  • Driver's License Requirement:  A valid Ontario unrestricted DZ class driver's license (or provincial equivalent) with no more than 6 demerit points accumulated.
  • You may initially be paid 95% of your starting rate of pay, in accordance with the collective agreement.
  • Experience and formal training combined with demonstrated performance and ability may substitute for stipulated academic requirements. 
  • Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available. 

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. 

The City of Ottawa promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion and adheres to the tenets of the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from members of Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women and non-binary persons, persons of all ethnic origins, religions, sexual orientations, classes, gender identities and expressions. 
Candidates are encouraged to self-identify as a member of one or more designated employment equity groups in the self-identification questionnaire.

The City of Ottawa provides accommodation to applicants during all parts of the hiring process, upon request. If contacted to proceed to the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation.

 

Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. Please contact the Employee Service Centre at 613-580-2424 extension 12211 or via email at esc-cse@ottawa.ca.

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