A garbage truck driver or waste collection driver may not seem like the most glamorous job, but for the right person, it can be rewarding work with good pay and benefits. If you don’t mind the early hours, the smells, and operating heavy machinery, then being a garbage collector could be a decent career path for you.
All it takes is meeting the basic requirements, getting the right training and licenses, and then starting to apply at waste management companies in your area. This guide will walk you through the basics of becoming a garbage truck driver.
What Does a Garbage Truck Driver Do?
As a garbage truck driver, you will drive around the neighborhood and collect people’s trash and recycling. It’s an important job that plays a key role in keeping communities clean.
You’ll start early, usually around 5 or 6 am, to beat the heat and traffic. After arriving at the depot, you’ll load up your truck and set off on your route. Driving a big commercial vehicle takes skill, so you’ll need a valid commercial driver’s license and air brakes.
Going from street to street, you stop at each address on your route. Pick up garbage cans and dumpsters, emptying them into your truck using automated lift equipment. Some routes also involve picking up recycling, yard waste, and bulk items. You’ll then transport recyclables and refuse from businesses and homes to a landfill or recycling center.
Any customer problems or issues with pickups should be reported to the supervisor. Also, keep in touch with your supervisor via radio and telephone to get pickup instructions. Keep in contact with the dispatcher at all times and follow GPS instructions.
A keen eye for safety and efficiency is also important. You’ll need to navigate obstacles, and watch out for pedestrians and other vehicles. At the end of your shift, you return the truck to the depot to be unloaded and cleaned, ready for the next day.
What are the Requirements?
| Garbage Truck Driver Job Requirements | ||
| Age | You must be at least 18 years old. This is the minimum age requirement for a commercial driver's license (CDL). Some employers look for a minimum age of 21 years old. | |
| License | You will need a CDL that permits you to drive heavy vehicles. Employers will look for a Class A or a Class B CDL depending on the type of truck you will be operating. For example, to drive a trailer truck combination garbage truck, a Class A license is needed, however, a Class B is sufficient to drive the regular garbage trucks. Note: even if you don't have a CDL, some employers will consider applicants that are willing to get their commercial license within a specified time. | |
| Endorsement | Depending on the vehicle, employers will require you to have air brake endorsement. | |
| Training | To get a Class A or B, you're required to successfully complete the Entry-level Driver Training (ELDT), as mandated by the FMCSA. | |
| Physical | This work entails physical work - lifting, pushing, or pulling items, sometimes weighing 50 pounds+, therefore you must be physically fit to lift heavy objects, and have experience in mechanical maintenance and repair. | |
| Education | The educational requirements for garbage truck drivers vary by region, although some only require a high school diploma. | |
| Driving History | You'll need a good driving record. Most won't hire anyone with major violations or a history of accidents. Minor tickets are usually fine, but multiple offenses could be a red flag. | |
Required Skills
To become a garbage truck driver, you’ll need a specific set of skills:
- Able to operate large vehicles and heavy equipment
- Know how to perform pre- and post-trip truck inspection (as per Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations)
- Apply knowledge of waste collection procedures and routes
- Have the physical stamina to lift heavy objects, climb in and out of trucks, and walk long distances
- Possess mechanical skills to perform basic maintenance and troubleshoot issues
- Able to drive safely and have a clean driving record
- Available to work scheduled shifts – nights, holidays and weekends
- Able to work in any weather conditions
Your basic duties will entail driving garbage trucks along designated routes to collect waste, recyclables, and yard trimmings. Operating hydraulic lifts and compactors to empty garbage cans and dumpsters into the truck is part of it. Plus dumping the waste at disposal sites or transfer stations and following all waste collection safety standards and procedures.
Soft Skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work in a group / team
- Communication skills with team and/or with customers
- Show a courteous, cooperative attitude in dealing with customers and coworkers
- Ability to work under pressure
- Time management
Types of Garbage Trucks to Drive?
| Type of Garbage / Waste Truck | CDL Required | ||
| Front Load |
 |
Class B | |
| Rear Load |
 |
Class B | |
| Side Loader |
 |
Class B | |
| Roll Off Dumpster |
 |
Class B | |
| Long-haul Transfer Trailer |
 |
Class A | |
What are the Job Responsibilities?
As a garbage truck driver, your general duties are:
- Collect refuse and recyclables from residential and commercial locations along your designated route.
- Operate a commercial vehicle such as a front end loader, a trailer-truck combination equipment, roll off dumpster truck, other large dump trucks or heavy equipment to transport garbage and recycling collected from residential or business locations.
- Empty and replace garbage cans and dumpsters, then transport the waste to disposal sites or recycling centers.
- Operate hydraulic hand controls to lift and load refuse and transfer trash to designated facilities.
- Efficiently and carefully maneuvering a large garbage truck through neighborhoods while adhering to strict schedules.
- Report any issues to fleet maintenance staff for prompt repairs.
- Courteously interact with people in the community and team members.
- Maintain equipment in good operating condition
- Strictly follow all waste collection regulations and safety standards to avoid injury or legal issues.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Carefully navigate the truck around traffic and obstacles while constantly scanning your surroundings. Your safe driving and work practices help ensure the well-being of yourself, your partner, and everyone you encounter on the job.
Specialized Waste Truck Driving Jobs
Being a garbage collector has many career upsides. If you’re looking to have more challenging responsibilities and bigger pay, there are specialized waste hauler jobs that fall under waste collection that might be of interest.
Transfer Hauler Truck Driver
A transfer hauler truck driver operates large transfer trucks filled with refuse materials for transportation from one location to another. A CDL A is typically required to drive the transfer trailer trucks.
Waste Disposal Truck Driver
Waste disposal truck drivers operate a waste disposal vehicle for the purpose of collecting, transporting, and disposing of waste materials. Waste disposal truck drivers are responsible for properly loading and unloading materials at designated sites, as well as safely maneuvering their vehicles in any environment.
How Much Does Garbage Truck Driver Make?
As a garbage truck driver, you can expect to make a decent salary. According to Ziprecruiter, the average pay for garbage truck drivers in the U.S. is over $$44,121 per year or $21 per hour. The salaries of a waste collector CDL driver range between $27,000 and $$67,500 per year. Exact wages will depend on factors like whether you have a Class A or Class B CDL, your location, your experience, overtime, and bonuses, etc.
While the pay for a garbage truck driver may never make you rich, it can be a stable career with decent wages, regular hours, job security, and good benefits. Job growth in this field is also quite strong due to worker shortages and the essential nature of the work.
What are the Training Requirements?
To become a garbage truck driver, which requires a Class A or B CDL, you’ll need to complete an Entry-level Driver Training or ELDT at a registered truck driving school. While requirements vary in different areas, most municipalities and private waste management companies require at least a CDL with appropriate endorsements for driving a commercial vehicle.
Some localities and employers may also require additional certifications beyond a CDL, such as for handling hazardous waste or operating automated truck lifts. On-the-job training is common and provides valuable experience working with different garbage trucks and routes.
Conclusion
And there you have it, the scoop on how to land a job driving one of those big rumbling garbage trucks down your street. Becoming a garbage truck driver may be an unconventional career choice, but someone’s gotta do it. Moreover, it can actually pay pretty well with good benefits. The job security is also excellent and you’ll be providing an essential service to your community. If you’ve got what it takes, you can find job opportunities with your local waste management company or city.
Sasha is a freelance writer for TruckersTraining.com and an entrepreneur. She has 10+ years experience as a writer with expertise in the transportation, business and farming industry. She is a wife, a mother, and co-owner of DreCampbell.com.
