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Waste Management Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B or Class A. * Endorsement: Air Brake Endorsement is mandatory. * Attributes: Must be dependable, energetic, courteous, safety-oriented, and a dedicated ...

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Waste Management Driver information

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$28.5K

$55.6K

$75K

How much do waste management driver jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for waste management driver in the United States is $55,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Waste Management Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Waste Management Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), a good driving record, and knowledge of safety regulations and local routes. Familiarity with waste collection vehicles, hydraulic lift systems, and route management software is also essential. Reliability, attention to detail, and strong customer service skills help drivers interact positively with the public and ensure timely service. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance in daily waste collection operations.

What does a Waste Management Driver do?

A Waste Management Driver is responsible for operating garbage trucks and other vehicles to collect, transport, and dispose of waste and recyclables from homes, businesses, and other locations. They follow designated routes, ensure safe handling of waste materials, and comply with local regulations. In addition to driving, they may also inspect vehicles, maintain records, and provide customer service during pickups.

Is there a demand for garbage truck drivers?

Waste management driver positions are in steady demand due to ongoing need for waste collection services. The job typically requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) and involves operating large trucks in urban and suburban environments, with employment opportunities often increasing as waste disposal needs grow.

What are some common challenges Waste Management Drivers face on their routes, and how can they effectively manage them?

Waste Management Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating tight residential streets, unpredictable traffic, and varying weather conditions. Additionally, handling large or improperly disposed waste can pose safety risks. To manage these challenges, drivers rely on thorough route planning, regular safety training, and clear communication with dispatchers and team members. Adaptability and attention to safety protocols are essential for ensuring both personal safety and efficient service.

What is the difference between Waste Management Driver vs Recycling Truck Driver?

AspectWaste Management DriverRecycling Truck Driver
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL)Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
Work EnvironmentResidential, commercial waste collectionRecycling collection, often same routes as waste drivers
Employer & IndustryWaste management companies, municipalitiesRecycling facilities, waste management companies

Both Waste Management Drivers and Recycling Truck Drivers require a CDL and operate in waste collection environments. The main difference lies in the type of materials collected: waste drivers handle general waste, while recycling drivers focus on recyclable materials. Their roles often overlap, but their specific routes and materials differ, making each position specialized within the waste management industry.

More about Waste Management Driver jobs
What cities are hiring for Waste Management Driver jobs? Cities with the most Waste Management Driver job openings:
What states have the most Waste Management Driver jobs? States with the most job openings for Waste Management Driver jobs include:
Infographic showing various Waste Management Driver job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,621 per year, or $26.7 per hour.
Driver Route NonCDL - Medical Waste

Driver Route NonCDL - Medical Waste

Waste Management

Rapid City, SD • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 607 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 71 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Stericycle is now part of WM.  To learn more about WM's acquisition of Stericycle, CLICK HERE to read the press release.

Shift: Monday - Thursday; 5:00 AM - 7:00 AM Starts; 3 Day Weekends

What is the value of a WM job? The value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. 
We Are Stable: Our WM team is home every day, and our team members perform essential and meaningful work.
We Are Committed to Growth: Annual Education Assistance Benefit available for team members.
We Are Investing in You: Amazing Medical, Dental & Vision, 401K with match, discounted stock options, dependent day care, and more.
Who are we? #WeAreWM
Ready to roll with us?  Click Apply to join the WM (formerly Waste Management) team today.

I. Job Summary
The Medical Waste Route Driver is responsible for servicing assigned accounts in the most professional way, ensuring that customers' needs are met on a continual basis for various waste pickup and supply delivery. This role will always provide the highest level of customer service possible. They may also transport waste from either a WMHS location or customer location, to a transfer location or processing location. All Company assigned vehicles are equipped with camera telematics which include inside and outside cameras. In addition, all vehicles are equipped with ELD (electronic logging device) and GPS (global positioning system). 
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Manages assigned routes ensuring customers' waste is picked up in a safe, timely and accurate manner
  • Pick up and transport waste safely according to all federal, provincial, and local rules and regulations
  • Plans daily schedule based on customers' needs by reviewing daily paperwork, e.g., manifest, route sheets, previous VCR, etc. provided by the Transportation Manager/Supervisor or Dispatcher
  • Follows routing software route schedule
  • May prepare and load trucks to service select accounts for the day ensuring enough supplies are added. Required to unload trucks at various Stericycle and customer sites; including ensure securing of waste
  • Pick up specified waste from each customer site scheduled for the day. Ensures that customers have packaged and prepared the waste according to all federal, provincial, and local rules and regulations before transporting
  • Provide the highest level of customer service to assigned accounts daily, communicating any issues to Transportation Manager/Supervisor or Dispatcher for resolution. This includes, but is not limited to re-routes, adjustments in container sizes, training, etc.
  • Ensures waste, supplies, and material handling equipment are secured prior to operating vehicle on public highway
  • Ensures that assigned paperwork is completed legibly, neatly, accurately, and completely and returned to Transportation Supervisor or Dispatcher for processing. Ensures DOT Driver Log is completed, if applicable
  • Communicates with Stericycle Transportation Supervisor and/or Dispatcher regarding any change to route pickups, including address changes, customer not having waste ready for pickup, etc. Ensures that employee covering for specific route is aware of any situations outside the norm in order to provide the highest level of customer service. Reports any problems/issues with accounts to Transportation Supervisor and/or Dispatcher before the close of business each day
  • Performs pre-trip and post-trip maintenance on assigned truck prior to leaving or closing for the day. Reports any maintenance problems to Transportation/Dispatcher for follow-up. Use of ELD (electronic logging device) and Geotab to log hours in accordance with DOT guidelines, if applicable
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities, as assigned


III. Qualifications 
A. Required Qualifications 

  • 0- 1 years of experience, preferably in driving Box Trucks and route management
  • Valid driver's license
  • All CMV drivers must be able to obtain a medical card by a certified medical examiner
  • May require mandatory immunizations and credentialing based on customer requirements


B. Preferred Qualifications 

  • High School Diploma or GED (accredited)


IV. Physical Requirements
Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Standing
  • Walking
  • Lifting
  • Pushing
  • Pulling
  • Crouching
  • Reaching
  • Handling
  • Sitting
  • Talking
  • Hearing

Field: This job operates in both inside garage, shop or gas plant conditions as well as in outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity.
 

Pay:  $1500 Stay On Bonus + $22/hr + OT


V. Benefits 
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Short Term Disability. As well as a Stock Purchase Plan, Company match on 401K, and more! Our employees also receive Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Personal Days. Please note that benefits may vary by site. 

If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click Apply.

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.

When you drive for WM, you join a team of the best drivers in the nation - professional, well trained, and skilled. Our drivers work hard and drive safe. They are rewarded with competitive pay, great benefits, opportunity for growth, and they are home at night and on the weekends.
Our drivers are part of the fabric of the communities they serve. We show up on time, help keep your communities clean and watch out for the residents. Billy is just one of our many drivers going above and beyond for our customers. Video - WM Driver: Billy Shelby

Driver/Operators are expected to operate vehicles and/or equipment in a safe and reliable manner. 

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