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Waste Management Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

... water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and ...

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Waste Management Operator information

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$12

$22

$34

How much do waste management operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for waste management operator in Michigan is $22.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $25.58 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.
Infographic showing various Waste Management Operator job openings in Michigan 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 $46,389 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

CDL Truck Driver Residential- Home Daily, PTO, 401k

Waste Management

Houghton, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 645 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 90 rated recycling and waste


Job description


Pay Range: $22.00 to $31.00
Shift: Monday-Friday, 5am start time
What is the value of a WM Job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career.
We Are Always Working For A Sustainable Tomorrow®: Our mission is to leave the world a better place than we found it by helping its inhabitants find purpose in becoming its caretakers.
We Are People First: The members of the WM family are the foundation for our success. We foster an environment where all teammates feel welcomed, valued and seen.
We Are Committed to Your Growth: Your Tomorrow Education Assistance Program, paid on-the-job training, and established career progression.
We Are Stable: From the front line to the corporate offices, our team members perform essential and meaningful work.
We Are a Family: At WM we are over 60,000 people - from many places and many backgrounds, and it is our amazing differences that make us stronger.
We Are Investing in You: Amazing Medical, Dental & Vision, 401K with match, discounted stock options, dependent day care, and more!
Ready to roll with us? Click Apply to join the WM team today.
I. Job Summary
Drivers operate heavy-duty trucks with front, side, or rear-end load lift attachments dependent on the line of business they're operating in and the type of truck they're operating. Drivers will transport the material to a disposal, transfer or recycle facility when trucks reach legal load capacity. Commercial Drivers are responsible for providing the pick-up service of containers filled with waste or recyclable material. Containers may weigh in excess of 1,000 pounds and at times require drivers to maneuver wheeled containers to a pick-up stage area. Commercial Drivers navigate high-traffic and congested roadways, driveways, alleyways, and lots. Highly skilled backing maneuvers are essential to successfully perform this job. Residential Drivers are responsible for the collection of residential household waste or recyclable material and must safely maneuver vehicles in residential environments. Residential Drivers navigate high-traffic and congested roadways, driveways, alleyways, and lots. Roll-off Drivers are responsible for preparing, loading, and transporting large mobile open-top and compactor containers from customer locations. Roll-off Drivers will navigate driveways, alleyways, lots, and high-traffic roadways and may operate in tight overhead environments while on industrial routes. Highly skilled backing maneuvers are essential, to successfully perform this job.
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Operates vehicle in accordance with Waste Management Safety and Life Critical Rules, OSHA (Occupational and Safety Health Act) and DOT (Department of Transportation) requirements as well as all local, state and federal laws.
  • Performs pre and post-trip inspections of assigned vehicle and documents checks utilizing the standard DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report).
  • Immediately reports all unsafe situations or service-related issues to Operations Manager or Dispatch.
  • Attends and participates in all scheduled training programs, briefings, and meetings as required by WM or directed by the Route Manager.
  • Works closely with Operations Manager to improve route efficiencies and identify best practices.
  • Notifies Operations Manager of any incidents, accidents, injuries, or property damage.
  • Notifies Operations Manager or Dispatch of service interruptions including closed or impassable streets or alleyways, receptacles too heavy to service or potential safety hazards.
  • Communicates customer requests to Operations Manager or Dispatch.
  • Completely dumps all receptacles and leaves the customer's location clean and free of debris.
  • Follows route assignments as directed and completes end-of-day documentation and check-out process.
  • Performs all duties as scheduled by Operations Manager or Dispatch and assists other drivers as directed to meet customer needs.

III. Qualifications
A. Required Qualifications
  • 1 year operating a vehicle requiring a CDL or
  • 1 year equivalent military driving within the last 7 years and
  • Able to read, write, and speak English well enough to interact with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to official questions, and complete records or reports.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age and
  • Legally eligible to work in the country where the position is located
  • (CDL)-Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class A, with an air-brake endorsement Upon Hire or
  • (CDL)-Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class B, with an air-brake endorsement. Upon Hire

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

V. Benefits
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short-term disability. In addition, we offer a stock purchase plan, company matching on a 401(k), and more. 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 Us
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 post-consumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gas-to-electricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavy-duty 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 TSA-approved alternative.
About the Team
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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