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Waste Collection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Maintenance Shop Foreman

Fresno, CA · On-site

$32 - $37/hr

We provide essential environmental services, including recycling, waste collection, and landfill management, with a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community. Our team plays a ...

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 ...

Maintenance Shop Foreman

Fresno, CA · On-site

$32 - $37/hr

We provide essential environmental services, including recycling, waste collection, and landfill management, with a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community. Our team plays a ...

Driver Helper

Irwindale, CA · On-site

$20.62 - $21.37/hr

Commercial Trainees are responsible for the collection and hand loading of commercial and residential waste. Our Trainees must also be able to communicate professionally with customers, dispatch, and ...

DEA Driver Assistant

Pomona, CA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Drive non-DOT regulated vehicle to customer sites to witness regulated waste collection as needed. Pay range $20.00 - $21.00 hourly Basic Requirements: * At least 18 years of age * High school ...

Drive non-DOT regulated vehicle to customer sites to witness regulated waste collection as needed. Starting pay $21.00 Qualifications Basic Requirements: * At least 18 years of age * High school ...

DEA Driver Assistant

Pomona, CA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Drive non-DOT regulated vehicle to customer sites to witness regulated waste collection as needed. Pay range $20.00 - $21.00 hourly Qualifications Basic Requirements: * At least 18 years of age

DEA Driver Assistant

Pomona, CA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Drive non-DOT regulated vehicle to customer sites to witness regulated waste collection as needed. Pay range $20.00 - $21.00 hourly Qualifications Basic Requirements: * At least 18 years of age

Drive non-DOT regulated vehicle to customer sites to witness regulated waste collection as needed. Pay range $20.00 - $21.00 hourly Qualifications Basic Requirements: * At least 18 years of age

Bulk Supervisor

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

About the Role As a Bulk Supervisor, you'll be a hands-on leader responsible for keeping apartment communities clean, safe, and ready for waste collection. Working alongside your team, you'll drive a ...

About the Role As a Bulk Supervisor, you'll be a hands-on leader responsible for keeping apartment communities clean, safe, and ready for waste collection. Working alongside your team, you'll drive a ...

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 ...

Hazardous Waste Technician

Benicia, CA

$25.75 - $31.25/hr

The Hazardous Waste Technician is responsible for the performance of tasks associated with the collection and handling of household hazardous waste on a customer site based in Benicia, CA . Why work ...

Hazardous Waste Technician

Benicia, CA

$25.75 - $31.25/hr

The Hazardous Waste Technician is responsible for the performance of tasks associated with the collection and handling of household hazardous waste on a customer site based in Benicia, CA . Why work ...

Showing results 41-60

Waste Collection information

See California salary details

$15

$21

$28

How much do waste collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for waste collection 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 is the difference between Waste Collection vs Waste Disposal Worker?

AspectWaste CollectionWaste Disposal Worker
CredentialsDriver's license, safety trainingSafety training, possibly CDL
Work EnvironmentResidential/commercial neighborhoods, streetsLandfills, waste processing facilities
Industry UsageCollects waste from sourcesProcesses or disposes of waste

Waste Collection involves gathering waste from homes and businesses, focusing on transportation to disposal sites. Waste Disposal Workers handle the actual processing or disposal of waste at landfills or treatment plants. While both roles are essential in waste management, Waste Collection is primarily about collection and transportation, whereas Waste Disposal Workers focus on waste processing and disposal activities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a waste collection worker?

To thrive as a Waste Collection Worker, you need physical stamina, reliability, and a basic understanding of safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with waste collection vehicles, hydraulic equipment, and possibly a commercial driver's license (CDL) are typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail help individuals excel in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring efficient, safe, and timely waste removal services that support public health and community cleanliness.

What is a waste collection worker?

Waste collectors, also known as garbage collectors or sanitation workers, are responsible for collecting and transporting garbage, recyclables, and other waste materials from homes, businesses, and public places to disposal sites or recycling centers. Their work ensures that communities remain clean, safe, and hygienic. Waste collectors may operate trucks, lift heavy bins, and follow specific routes to complete their tasks efficiently. This job often requires physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and knowledge of local waste disposal regulations.

What are common challenges faced by waste collection workers, and how can they be managed?

Waste collection workers often encounter challenges such as exposure to unpleasant odors, heavy lifting, and working in varying weather conditions. These challenges are typically managed through the use of personal protective equipment, adherence to safety protocols, and proper lifting techniques. Teamwork and clear communication with colleagues are also essential for efficiently navigating busy routes and ensuring safety. Many employers offer regular safety training and ergonomic support to help workers stay healthy and productive.

What cities in California are hiring for Waste Collection jobs?

Cities in California with the most Waste Collection job openings:

Infographic showing various Waste Collection job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,399 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Medical Waste Containers - Plant Operator 2nd Shift (1pm-9:00pm) - 6760

Daniels Health

Fresno, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Daniels Health rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

We are looking to hire a Plant Operator for our Daniels' medical waste treatment facility in Fresno, CA. A Plant Operator has a widely varying role, from checking in containers, double checking paperwork, moving/unloading specific waste containers, and operating a forklift to load an autoclave. The ideal Plant Operator is an individual who likes variety in their work and can think through practical problems. 
 
What will your job involve?
  • Use of our large machines, to:
  • Weigh incoming sharps and regulated medical waste containers (using our Weighbridge)
  • Load/operate our autoclave machine (a pressure chamber to melt materials)
  • Load the Washsmart system (sanitization system)
  • Drive a forklift and operate hand trucks once trained
  • Lifting 55lbs and push a four-wheeled cart that weighs as much as 200lbs
  • Provide attention to detail, especially with the paperwork required to process these items
  • Can stand for extended periods of time happily and comfortably
  • Can work well with a team because we are all about team work!
  • Standing for extended period of time
What are we looking for?
  • Someone with a can-do attitude who is committed to efficient, timely scheduling with previous experience in a labor-intensive job. A person with proven longevity with their employers that we can rely on.
Why work for us?
  • Job stability - as an essential service to healthcare we are non-seasonal and recession proof.
  • Consistent work hours - Monday - Friday position 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM.
  • Benefits - Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Your Medical, Dental and Vision benefits are effective on DAY ONE. All other benefits are effective 1st of the month following 30 days of employment). Paid Short-term disability ($0 cost to you!). Company sponsored life insurance. Accident Insurance and Voluntary long-term disability options!
  • Permanent position - This is a Full-time permanent role of 40 hours per week
  • Competitive salary - This position is offering a set non-negotiable rate of $20 per hour. 
  • Safe work environment - We supply above and beyond the standard PPE protocols for safe handling of medical waste - find out more about how we protect you at https://www.danielshealth.com/covid-19-employees
$20 - $20 an hour
Who are we?
We are a healthcare service company providing safety systems and medical waste collection for hospitals, medical centers, surgical centers, nursing homes and an array of customers within the healthcare setting. Our focus is delivering quality and safety-focused medical waste management services that reduce needlestick injuries, positively impact infection control and reduce environmental burden. As a service to our customers we dispose and treat medical waste on site at our treatment facilities across the U.S.


Daniels Health & Sharpsmart is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Daniels Health & Sharpsmart prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Daniels Health & Sharpsmart  conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Daniels Health conducts background checks and drug testing as part of the postoffer hiring process.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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