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Waste Collection Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

The driver will collect solid waste or recyclables on curbside and/or backdoor routes and transporting to post-collection facilities. Pay: $26-28/hour Benefits: 15 days of paid time off Competitive ...

... waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America.

Warehouse Associate

Calvert City, KY

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

... waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America.

Warehouse Associate

Calvert City, KY

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

... waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America.

Warehouse Associate

Calvert City, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

... waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America.

Warehouse Associate

Calvert City, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

... waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America.

Warehouse Associate

Calvert City, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

... waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America.

Warehouse Associate

Calvert City, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

... waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America.

Manage the plant hazardous waste collection area for cleanliness and compliance * Ability toutilizestairs and ladders * Ability to lift 50Lbs or less Required Education and Experience: High School ...

Warehouse Associate

Calvert City, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

... waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America.

Warehouse Associate

Calvert City, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

... waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America.

Showing results 21-40

Waste Collection information

See Kentucky salary details

$13

$19

$25

How much do waste collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for waste collection in Kentucky is $19.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

How much do waste collectors make?

Waste collectors typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $30,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often work early morning or overnight shifts and may need a valid driver's license and physical stamina for the job.

What do you need to be a waste collection?

To work as a waste collection worker, you typically need a valid driver's license, physical stamina, and the ability to operate collection vehicles. Some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent, and safety training is often provided on the job.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Waste Collection jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Waste Collection job openings:

Infographic showing various Waste Collection job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,953 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

CDL Driver - Residential

GFL Environmental

Highway, KY • On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


GFL Environmental rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 173 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 91 rated recycling and waste


Job description

The Residential Driver will be responsible for safely, efficiently, and courteously providing waste removal services to customers. The driver will collect solid waste or recyclables on curbside and/or backdoor routes and transporting to post-collection facilities.


Pay: $26-28/hour

Benefits:

15 days of paid time off

Competitive medical, dental, and vision plan options

Health Savings Account with employer match option

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) with an employer match up to 4%

Supplemental health plans through Unum

Employer paid basic life insurance

Employee paid short-term disability option

Employer-paid long-term disability

Mental health support through Employee Assistance Program

7 paid holidays annually

Key Responsibilities:
Operate a residential / recycling collection, side-load and/or rear-load truck, ancillary equipment and hydraulic system to collect solid waste and/or recyclables on specified collection route.
Load solid waste, yard waste and/or recyclables into the rear or side of waste collection vehicle.
Operate equipment on truck to compact trash into vehicle.
Operate truck and equipment using prescribed techniques to eliminate driver-induced mechanical failures.
Complete pre-trip and post-trip safety lane inspections and reports, daily truck report, route sheets and other documentation requested by supervisor daily.
Communicate vehicle mechanical problems to mechanic and supervisor immediately.
Maintain route quality standards as predetermined by management.
Follow all safety standards and equipment checks and precautions in performance of all duties. Comply with all federal, state/provincial, local and company rules on safety and vehicle operation.
Maintain clean vehicle by cleaning cab interior and exterior of vehicle.
Identify, and tag prohibited waste items and remove the items from the waste cart or can.
Manage assigned Helper(s) if applicable.
Conform in all respects with applicable federal, state/provincial and local laws, regulations, ordinances and other orders and to all company policies, procedures and directives from supervisors.
Ensure that all required personal protective equipment be worn at all times (i.e., gloves, reflective vest, safety glasses, work boots, etc.)
Report all accidents or incidents to supervisor(s) immediately
Exhibit a professional demeanor, manner and appearance at all times (i.e., meeting customers and/or the general public while on route or in uniform.)
Maintain accurate records of services performed.
Maintain inventory of all container and residential carts and spare parts available and recommend purchase of additional containers, carts and spare parts to supervisor.
Work closely with supervisor to improve routing efficiencies.
May be required to work overtime
Attend safety and branch meetings.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as required or requested by management.
Requirements:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) desired.
Must possess a Commerical Driver's License
Minimum one (1) years of commercial driving experience OR CDL school certificate
Must be able to meet relevant criteria for safety sensitive functions according to Company standards
Must be able to demonstrate the ability to safely drive the truck and operate the equipment
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the truck and its components and the basic maintenance Requirements: for safe operation
Ability to control operations of equipment; maneuvering truck into and out of minimum clearance spaces, using mirrors to back distances of approximately 120 feet or more
Ability to recognize unacceptable waste (such as gasoline or other flammable materials)
Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers
Ability to read, write, and comprehend associated documents and maps
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
Flexibility to accept and adapt to change as well as the commitment to seek continuous improvement
Ability to exert muscle force to lift, push, pull or carry objects up to 50 pounds repetitively using proper lifting techniques
Ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example: two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting or standing
Ability to follow all company safety policies and procedures
Physical/Mental Demands:
Ability to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, climb, balance, and smell.
Visual Requirements: include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus due to the constant maneuvering of vehicle in tight and high traffic areas.
Ability to regularly lift/move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift/move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift/move up to 100 pounds.
Sitting may be required up to 75% of the time due to the primary function of driving.
Ability to work in usually loud conditions.
Working Conditions:
Frequently exposed to loud noise, humidity, rainy/stormy, extreme hot and cold weather conditions (depending on season), moving mechanical parts, vibration, toxic and caustic chemicals, fumes and airborne particles
Work in outdoor environment up to 100% of the time.
Works route away from branch location on a continuous basis throughout the day.
Occasionally work in high precarious places.
Work in motor vehicle traffic conditions constantly.
Work environment is usually loud.


We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.


GFL is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contactmyworkdayrecruitment@gflenv.com
Please note that GFL does not provide visa sponsorship
for this position. Valid work authorization in the country where the job is located is required.Successful candidates will be required to provide valid documentation confirming their eligibility to work in the country where the job is located prior to their start date.


This hiring process may utilize machine-based systems to assist in screening and assessing applicants. Final selection decisions are made by our recruitment team.



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