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Waste Management Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CookUnity

Zero Waste Operator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

About the Role The Sustainability Operator plays a key role in ensuring that daily waste-management procedures are executed correctly across the LA facility. This role supports the operational ...

Leidos

$78K - $103K/yr

Prepares procedures, handbooks, and internal operating instructions to establish guidelines for ... management (hazardous waste, universal wastes, polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], asbestos ...

CookUnity

Zero Waste Operator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Donation Management : Collect, weigh, record, and pack donations; receive partners and hand off ... Zero Waste Compliance: Follow all safety, cleanliness, and Zero Waste process standards.

CookUnity

Zero Waste Operator

Los Angeles, CA

$18 - $19/hr

Donation Management : Collect, weigh, record, and pack donations; receive partners and hand off ... Zero Waste Compliance: Follow all safety, cleanliness, and Zero Waste process standards.

Waste Connections Inc

Equipment Operator

Antelope, CA · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

... waste management provider, R360 has the resources to offer superior reliability and results to ... We are currently hiring Equipment Operators to work at ourfacility in Jal, NM. In this job, you ...

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All JobsWaste Management Operator JobsWaste Management Operator Jobs in California

Waste Management Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$39

How much do waste management operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for waste management operator in California is $25.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $28.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a waste management operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Waste Management Operator, you need a solid understanding of waste handling procedures, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with heavy machinery, computerized tracking systems, and regulatory compliance software is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help operators work safely and efficiently in team settings. These skills ensure proper waste processing, compliance with environmental regulations, and the safety of both workers and the community.

What is a waste management operator?

Waste Management Operators are professionals responsible for the collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of waste materials. They ensure that waste is managed efficiently, safely, and in compliance with environmental regulations. Their duties may include operating specialized vehicles and equipment, segregating recyclable materials, and monitoring landfill or recycling facility operations. Waste Management Operators play a crucial role in protecting public health and the environment by minimizing pollution and promoting sustainable waste practices.

What is the difference between Waste Management Operator vs Waste Collection Driver?

AspectWaste Management OperatorWaste Collection Driver
CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), safety trainingCDL, safety training
Work EnvironmentLandfills, recycling centers, waste processing facilitiesResidential, commercial waste pickup routes
Employer & IndustryWaste management companies, municipalitiesWaste collection companies, municipalities

Waste Management Operators typically work in waste processing facilities and landfills, focusing on waste sorting and disposal. Waste Collection Drivers primarily operate trucks to collect waste from residential and commercial sites. Both roles require CDL licenses and safety training, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

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

Waste Management Operators often encounter challenges such as handling hazardous materials safely, maintaining equipment, and adhering to strict environmental regulations. To address these challenges, operators receive thorough safety training, use personal protective equipment, and follow detailed protocols for waste sorting and disposal. Regular equipment maintenance and teamwork with supervisors and environmental specialists help ensure operations run smoothly and safely. Staying updated on industry regulations and best practices is also essential for long-term success in the role.
What are popular job titles related to Waste Management Operator jobs in California? For Waste Management Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Waste Management Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Waste Management Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Waste Management Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Waste Management Operator job openings:
Waste Management Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Waste Management Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,527 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Zero Waste Operator

CookUnity

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

About CookUnity:
Food has lost its soul to modern convenience. And with it, it has lost the power to nourish, inspire, and connect us. So in 2018, CookUnity was founded as the first-of-its-kind platform that connects the world with the source of truly great food: chefs. Today, CookUnity delivers 50 million meals a year from the industry's best chefs to homes all over the country. Fresh. Ready-to-eat. And crafted with the passion that nourishes body and soul.
Unwilling to stop there, CookUnity is expanding beyond delivery to become an ever-innovating marketplace focused on our singular mission: empower Chefs to nourish the world.
If that mission has you hungry in more ways than one, you've found the right job posting.
About the Role
The Sustainability Operator plays a key role in ensuring that daily waste-management procedures are executed correctly across the LA facility. This role supports the operational execution of recycling, compost, waste audits, and donation processes, helping maintain clean, compliant, and efficient waste-diversion systems.
The Sustainability Operator is responsible for carrying out daily walkthroughs, completing waste-audit forms, preparing and coordinating donations, and ensuring correct sorting and disposal of materials in all kitchens and work areas. This role provides essential operational support to the facility by monitoring compliance, identifying contamination, and reinforcing correct waste-handling behaviors among staff.
Key responsibilities include executing daily waste audits, preparing food waste for donation or internal use, coordinating donation pick-ups with partner organizations, maintaining Green Stations, and ensuring all supplies needed for proper waste diversion are available and correctly used. This role ensures that Zero Waste procedures are followed consistently and effectively, contributing to CookUnity's environmental goals and operational priorities.
Responsibilities
  • Daily Waste Audits: Perform daily trash audits across workstations and document findings.
  • Correct Waste Disposal: Ensure proper waste disposal procedures are followed in all kitchens.
  • Food Waste Handling: Classify, weigh, and dispose of food waste, including donations, compost, garbage, and family meals.
  • Facility Walkthroughs: Conduct daily walkthroughs of kitchens, green stations, fulfillment, and market areas; complete the DAILY AUDIT BIN FORM to identify contamination.
  • Contamination Control: Check recycling and compost streams to ensure they are free of incorrect materials.
  • Material Sorting: Separate and move recyclable and compostable materials according to facility standards.
  • Donation Management: Collect, weigh, record, and pack donations; receive partners and hand off prepared products.
  • Food Waste Preparation: Condition and prepare food waste for donation or internal reuse (back to market).
  • Donation Coordination: Coordinate donation pick-ups with partnered non-profit organizations.
  • Daily Reporting: Complete daily trackers for recycling, compost, and donation volumes.
  • Zero Waste Compliance: Follow all safety, cleanliness, and Zero Waste process standards.
  • Operational Feedback: Provide daily feedback to staff to reinforce correct waste-sorting behaviors.
  • Green Leader Support: Support team members as a Green Leader, promoting "Go Green" practices.
  • Waste Diversion Supplies: Ensure stations have the correct supplies (stickers, posters, bins) for proper waste diversion.
  • Green Station Maintenance: Coordinate with the cleaning team to keep the Green Stations clean and in order.

General Schedule and Workdays
  • Full Time (5 days a week - 36 to 40 hs weekly).
  • AM: 7:30 to 4:00 pm.
  • PM: 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
  • Available to work on the weekends.

Qualifications
  • Operational Experience: Previous experience in warehouse, food production, cleaning, or other hands-on operational roles. Comfortable working in kitchens, warehouse areas, and food production spaces.
  • Physical Requirements: Ability to safely lift and move 20 lbs or more throughout the shift.
  • Basic Reporting Skills : Ability to complete daily trackers and simple audit forms.
  • Communication Skills: Ability to give clear feedback to staff and communicate deviations or contamination findings. Spanish and English.
  • Interest in Waste Reduction: Genuine interest in recycling, composting, waste diversion, or environmental practices (no prior experience required).
  • Language: Basic English required; Spanish is a strong plus.

Job Requirement
  • Bilingual: Spanish and English (mainly spoken).
  • Basic knowledge of Google Docs.
  • Experience operating both: Forklift and Pallet Jack

Compensation
All final pay rates will be determined by candidates experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.
Pay Range for this position
$18-$19 USD
If you're interested in this role, please submit your application, and if we think you might be a fit, we'll get in touch with you. Thank you for your time!
CookUnity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to creating a community of inclusion and an environment free from discrimination or harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or physical or mental disability.
A quick note for all candidates
We've recently seen an increase in recruitment scams across the industry, and we want to make sure you (and your data) stay safe while applying to CookUnity. We also want you to know that we take this seriously - sometimes, as part of our process, we may ask for a brief "proof of humanity" to confirm that we're connecting with a real person, not an impersonator. Here are a few tips to help you protect yourself and know what to expect from us:
  • Apply only through our official channels. All open roles are listed on our official careers page: careers.cookunity.com
  • Our recruiters are real people - and easy to verify. You can always find them on LinkedIn with verified profiles. If you're unsure, feel free to reach out to us on our official LinkedIn Company Page.
  • We only communicate through official CookUnity channels. That means emails ending in @cookunity.com and interviews held through official company platforms (Google Meet or Zoom) - never WhatsApp, Telegram, or SMS.
  • We'll never ask for payment or personal financial details. If anyone does, please don't share any information and let us know right away.

If something ever feels off or you're unsure about a message, we'd much rather you double-check with us. You can always contact us directly through any of our social media channels. We appreciate your interest in joining CookUnity - and we care about keeping your experience (and safety) as genuine as possible.

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