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Waste Collection Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Waste Connections is a large, publicly-traded solid waste services company that provides non-hazardous waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services in mostly exclusive and secondary ...

Litter Crew Supervisor

VA ยท On-site

$31.96 - $58.88/hr

SOLID WASTE DIVISION Opening Date: 08/10/2026 Closing Date: 8/24/2026 11:59 PM Eastern GRADE: B32 Hiring Salary: $42.55 to $46.19 hourly Introduction Do you have experience managing litter collection ...

We are Waste Connections, an integrated services company that provides solid waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services to local residents and businesses throughout the U.S. and ...

We are Waste Connections, an integrated services company that provides solid waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services to local residents and businesses throughout the U.S. and ...

$21.75 - $29.25/hr

Waste Connections is the premier provider of solid waste collection, transfer, recycling and disposal services, along with recycling and resource recovery, in mostly exclusive and secondary markets ...

Route Monitor

Manassas Park, VA ยท On-site

$26/hr

Supervises employees performing waste collection services. This includes but is not limited to carrying out personnel actions for a collections team, recommending hiring decisions, training, and ...

$21.75 - $29.25/hr

Waste Connections is the premier provider of solid waste collection, transfer, recycling and disposal services, along with recycling and resource recovery, in mostly exclusive and secondary markets ...

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Waste Collection information

See Virginia salary details

$15

$21

$28

How much do waste collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for waste collection in Virginia is $21.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.52 and $24.09 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 Virginia?

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Waste Collection jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Waste Collection job openings:

Infographic showing various Waste Collection job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,607 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Solid Waste Manager - Internal Applicants Only

City of Roanoke, Virginia

Roanoke, VA โ€ข On-site

$84K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description The Solid Waste Management Division of the Public Works Department in the City of Roanoke, Virginia is seeking an energetic team-player with strong communication skills to lead the City's customer-focused solid waste management programs serving approximately 42,000 households and small businesses. The successful candidate will manage a robust, fully-automated collection process for its solid waste and recycling programs as well as an innovative downtown collection system. The Solid Waste Manager oversees a diverse division of fifty-five employees with an annual operating budget of $3 million plus.

This position directs and coordinates the operation of the division of solid waste management. Responsibilities entail accountability based on measurable cost effective results for the substance, efficiency, productivity and quality of activities performed by the division. Analyzes resource utilization and identifies potential areas of improvement by implementing new improved solid waste collection and disposal systems.

Works closely with vendors, residents, governmental officials and other representatives of the solid waste industry to provide effective services. Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with a major in business, public administration, environmental management, engineering or related field is preferred. 5 years of increasing supervisory responsibilities.

Considerable experience in a management position, preferably coordinating or supervising solid waste collection, recycling, code enforcement, recycling and disposition or combination of experience and education. The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer. To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry.

Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community. This is an exempt position.

Examples of Duties SUMMARY Directs and coordinates the operation of the division of solid waste management. Responsibilities include customer service, contract management, budget preparation, public meetings, council presentations, training, accountability based on measurable cost effective results for the substance, efficiency, productivity and quality of activities performed by the division. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

Other duties may be assigned. Plans, coordinates, and directs all facets of solid waste management for the City Oversees projects in process and evaluates completed projects for compliance with laws, regulations, and ordinances Analyzes resource utilization and identifies potential areas of improvement by implementing new improved solid waste collection and disposal systems Assists in the development of specifications for purchase of solid waste vehicles and equipment Contract, development, management with oversight from the Purchasing Division to ensure that the contract meet the legal requirements of the City of Roanoke & the Commonwealth of Virginia. Determines standards and equipment necessary to ensure operational efficiency Conducts cost/benefit analysis of current and proposed solid waste collection systems Works closely with vendors, residents, governmental officials and other representatives of the solid waste industry to provide effective services Advises/communicate with the public on issues concerning solid waste programs Prepares division budget and administers same Prepares reports, investigates complaints and assists with media relations as needed Develops and implements policies on matters pertaining to solid waste activities and safety Monitors the work of staff for conformance with city and division policies and practices and provides assistance when problems arise Attends meetings and provides technical assistance covering solid waste programs Prepares long-range plans for the division that include financial analysis and project review Administers City refuse collection, bulk collection, brush collection, commercial collection, compactor program, call center, code inspections and recycling programs Prepares ordinance revisions SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Supervises a total of 50-60 employees in the Residential/Commercial/Bulk and Recycling Units.

Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the division. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Typical Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with a major in business, public administration, environmental management, engineering or related field is preferred. 5 years of increasing supervisory responsibilities. Considerable experience in a management position, preferably coordinating or supervising solid waste collection, recycling, code enforcement, recycling and disposition or combination of experience and education.

Supplemental Information LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from citizens, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community orally and in writing. Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts. REASONING ABILITY Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret and deal with an extensive variety of variables.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.

The employee frequently is required to walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This is a job description and not an individualized position description.

A job description defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.