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Waste Management Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Waste Management Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$13

$25

$38

How much do waste management operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for waste management operator in Minnesota is $25.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.76 and $28.70 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 cities in Minnesota are hiring for Waste Management Operator jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Waste Management Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Waste Management Operator job openings in Minnesota 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 $52,128 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Landfill Operator - Benefits Day 1 & Overtime

Waste Management

Burnsville, MN • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


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: $21.00
Shift: Monday-Friday, 6:30am - 4:00pm (Overtime as necessary)
Boot Allowance: $200 voucher per year
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
Properly disposes of solid waste materials at landfill site.
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Operates heavy equipment such as bulldozer, front-end loader, and compactor, to excavate landfill site, transport solid waste materials, and to spread and compact layers of waste and earth cover.
  • Directs incoming vehicles to dumping area.
  • Examines cargo to prohibit disposal of caustic waste, according to government regulations.
  • Sprays poisons and other specified chemicals over waste material to control disease carrying pests.
  • Drives truck to distribute oil or water over landfill to control dust.
  • Weighs vehicles entering and leaving site and collects dumping fees.

III. Qualifications
A. Required Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or G.E.D (accredited)
  • No experience Zero (0) to four (4) years previous experience (in addition to education requirements)

B. Preferred Qualifications
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.
This role is designated as safety sensitive and will require the successful candidate to strictly comply with all safety rules and protocols. As part of the ongoing employment requirements, the successful candidate may be subject to drug and alcohol testing-including pre-employment screening, post-incident evaluations, reasonable suspicion checks, and random testing-in accordance with government regulations and company policies.
Pay: The expected base pay range for this on-site position is $21.00. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific salary offered to a successful candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location
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
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 WM is what defines the perks of being in the WM family - from benefits, to resources and engagement activities.
We are People First. We are Committed to Your Growth. We Are Investing in You. We are a Family. We are Stable. We are Always Working for a Sustainable Tomorrow.

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