Overview
Solid waste and recycling are essential services with steady hiring across North America. Collection, disposal, and resource recovery continue through business cycles, while regulations and investments in organics, e‑waste/batteries, and waste‑to‑energy create demand for drivers, plant operators, technicians and engineers.
Pay ranges below are typical for 2024–2025 postings and vary by location, union status, employer and shift. Verify locally.
🧠In‑Demand Roles
Field & Operations
- • CDL/DZ Drivers (residential/commercial, roll‑off)
- • Helpers/Loaders, Sorters (MRF)
- • Heavy Equipment Operators (landfill dozer/compactor)
- • Plant Operators (MRF, compost/AD, WTE)
- • Hazardous/Industrial Waste Field Technicians
- • Diesel Mechanics, Welders, Industrial Electricians
Technical & Professional
- • Environmental/Civil Engineers (landfill, leachate/gas)
- • EHS/Compliance Specialists (RCRA, TDG/WHMIS)
- • Landfill Gas Technicians, Water/Leachate Techs
- • Zero‑Waste/Program Managers, Commodity Specialists
- • Dispatch, Route Supervisors, Operations Managers
đź’° Pay Benchmarks (Guide)
USA (USD/hour unless noted)
Ranges reflect typical postings incl. overtime potential
| Role | Range |
|---|---|
| CDL Driver (Residential/Commercial) | $23–$38/hr |
| Helper / Sorter (MRF) | $16–$24/hr |
| Heavy Equipment Operator (Landfill/MRF) | $22–$35/hr |
| Hazardous Waste Field Technician | $20–$30/hr |
| Plant/Boiler Operator (WTE/AD) | $30–$45/hr |
| Diesel Mechanic | $25–$40/hr |
| Environmental Engineer (annual) | $75k–$120k+ |
Canada (CAD/hour unless noted)
Unionized metros trend toward upper ranges
| Role | Range |
|---|---|
| Driver (DZ/AZ) | C$24–C$42/hr |
| Helper / Sorter (MRF) | C$18–C$28/hr |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | C$24–C$40/hr |
| Hazardous Waste Technician | C$22–C$35/hr |
| Plant Operator (WTE/AD) | C$28–C$45/hr |
| Mechanic | C$28–C$45/hr |
| Environmental Engineer (annual) | C$70k–C$110k+ |
🎓 Certifications That Boost Hiring Odds
USA
CDL B/A + Air BrakeHazMat endorsement (as needed)OSHA 10/30HAZWOPER 40‑hourRCRA awarenessForkliftConfined Space
Canada
DZ/AZ + Air BrakeTDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods)WHMISConfined SpaceFall ProtectionForkliftFirst Aid/CPR
🏢 Companies Hiring
USA
Nationwide Haulers
Specialty & Energy
- • Clean Harbors (haz/industrial)
- • Stericycle (medical waste)
- • Veolia North America
- • Covanta (WTE)
- • Heritage Environmental
- • Denali Water Solutions
Public sector: city/county solid waste depts., regional authorities, state agencies
Canada
Haulers & Recycling
Hazardous/Industrial
Public sector: municipal/regional solid waste services and utilities
🔎 Search Waste & Recycling Jobs
USA
Browse categories and hot metros
🦺 Day‑to‑Day & Safety
- • Early starts, outdoor work, interaction with traffic and heavy equipment
- • Strict PPE and procedures: spotter protocols, lockout/tagout, confined space
- • In‑cab/plant tech: telematics, cameras, SCADA/controls, contamination detection
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Waste Management Careers: FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about this topic
Helper/sorter roles, driver trainee programs (CDL/DZ), landfill/MRF operators, and hazardous waste field techs with HAZWOPER/TDG open doors quickly.
USA: CDL, HAZWOPER 40, OSHA 10/30, HazMat endorsement (some roles). Canada: DZ/AZ with Air Brake, TDG, WHMIS, Confined Space; SWANA adds credibility in both.
Private haulers hire year‑round with overtime potential; public sector (municipalities/utilities) offers stability, pensions and predictable schedules.