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Waste Collection Operator Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

City of Ottawa

Waste Collection Operator

Ottawa, ON · On-site

CA$61K - CA$72K/yr

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)

City of Ottawa

Waste Collection Operator Trainee

Ottawa, ON · On-site

CA$26.98 - CA$31.57/hr

As a trainee, you will complete on-the-job training alongside a Waste Collection Operator (WCO) in order to learn the necessary skills to perform waste collection duties and responsibilities, safety ...

Waste Connections Inc

Equipment Operator

London, ON · On-site

CA$23.50/hr

... waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services to local residents and businesses ... Operating heavy equipment such as: Bobcats, skidsteers, wheel loaders, forklifts, and front-end ...

Waste Connections of Canada

Equipment Operator

London, ON · On-site

CA$23.50/hr

... waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services to local residents and businesses ... Operating heavy equipment such as: Bobcats, skidsteers, wheel loaders, forklifts, and front-end ...

Waste Connections Inc

DZ Roll-Off Driver

Concord, ON · On-site

CA$36.23/hr

... waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services to local residents and businesses ... Safely operating a waste truck on specified routes to collect solid waste starting at approximately ...

Waste Connections Inc

DZ Spare Driver

Ottawa, ON · On-site

CA$33.26/hr

... waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services to local residents and businesses ... Safely operating various types of garbage truck on specified routes to collect solid waste.

Waste Connections of Canada

DZ Roll-Off Driver

Concord, ON · On-site

CA$36.23/hr

... waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services to local residents and businesses ... Safely operating a waste truck on specified routes to collect solid waste starting at approximately ...

GFL Environmental

The Forklift Operator Key Responsibilities * Physically load and unload containerized waste from ... Attend Household Hazardous Waste collection events to identify, classify and separate waste. Load ...

GFL Environmental

The Forklift Operator Key Responsibilities * Physically load and unload containerized waste from ... Attend Household Hazardous Waste collection events to identify, classify and separate waste. Load ...

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Waste Collection Operator information

What is a waste collection operator?

Waste Collection Operators are professionals responsible for collecting, transporting, and disposing of waste and recyclable materials from residential, commercial, and industrial locations. They operate specialized vehicles such as garbage trucks, follow designated routes, and ensure that waste is handled safely and efficiently. Waste Collection Operators play a crucial role in maintaining public health and sanitation by preventing the accumulation of waste and supporting recycling efforts. Their work often involves early morning shifts, physical activity, and adherence to safety regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a waste collection operator?

To thrive as a Waste Collection Operator, you need a valid commercial driver’s license, knowledge of safety protocols, and physical fitness. Familiarity with waste collection vehicles, hydraulic systems, and GPS routing devices is typically required. Dependability, teamwork, and good communication skills help operators work safely and efficiently in various environments. These skills ensure timely waste removal, public safety, and compliance with environmental regulations.

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

Waste Collection Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating busy or narrow streets, handling heavy or hazardous materials, and adhering to strict collection schedules. To address these, operators receive specialized training in safe lifting techniques, route optimization, and the use of protective equipment. Open communication with team members and supervisors also helps ensure safety and efficiency, while ongoing training keeps operators updated on the latest regulations and best practices.

What is the difference between Waste Collection Operator vs Sanitation Worker?

AspectWaste Collection OperatorSanitation Worker
CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) often requiredMay require similar licenses, depending on jurisdiction
Work EnvironmentOperate trucks, collect waste from residential/commercial sitesAssist with waste collection, street cleaning, and debris removal
Employer & IndustryMunicipal waste management, private waste companiesMunicipal sanitation departments, waste management services

Waste Collection Operators primarily operate trucks to collect waste from various locations, often requiring a CDL. Sanitation Workers perform similar tasks but may also include street cleaning and debris removal. Both roles are essential in waste management, often working within municipal or private sectors, and may require overlapping certifications. The main difference lies in the scope of duties and specific job functions within waste and sanitation services.

What cities in Ontario are hiring for Waste Collection Operator jobs?

Cities in Ontario with the most Waste Collection Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Waste Collection Operator job openings in Ontario as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Waste Collection Operator

Ottawa, ON • On-site

City of Ottawa
See more jobs at City of Ottawaexternal

CA$61K - CA$72K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Operate vehicles and equipment used for waste collection and disposal.

  • Perform general labor related to the collection and disposal of trash, recycling, organics, yard and leaf waste.

  • Follow route maps, street signs, and instructions to complete waste collection tasks.

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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