How much does a refuse and recyclable material collectors make?

The median refuse and recyclable material collectors salary in the United States is $49,690 per year ($23.89/hour). Salaries range from $33,590 (10th percentile) to $75,900 (90th percentile). There are 147,240 refuse and recyclable material collectors jobs in the U.S. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS.

Which state pays refuse and recyclable material collectorss the most?

The highest paying state for refuse and recyclable material collectorss is Illinois at $75,050 median salary.

Is refuse and recyclable material collectors a good career?

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors employment is projected to grow 0.9% from 2024 to 2034 (slower than average). There are approximately 16,900 job openings per year. Typical education required: No formal educational credential.

What interview questions are asked for refuse and recyclable material collectors roles?

Common refuse and recyclable material collectors interview questions include: "Tell me about your driving record and any DOT violations you've had in the last 5 years.", "Walk me through your pre-trip inspection on a rear-load truck.", "Your automated side-load arm is failing to grab a specific cart. What do you do?". Interview format at top employers ranges from behavioral panels (STAR method) to technical case rounds — for example Waste Management (WM) typically uses 3-4 rounds over 2-4 weeks.

What certifications should refuse and recyclable material collectorss get?

Top-ROI certifications for refuse and recyclable material collectorss: CDL Class B (with air-brake endorsement) ($0-500 — usually employer-sponsored; commercial CDL school $3,500-6,500); CDL Class A (with air-brake + tanker + hazmat if roll-off) ($0-500 employer-sponsored; commercial upgrade $1,500-3,500); DOT Federal Medical Card ($75-150 per exam).

How do you negotiate a refuse and recyclable material collectors salary?

Anchor on documented market data (BLS median $49,690, p75 $62,020), specific outcomes you've delivered, and the specific band for your years of experience. Given 5 years of CDL A + roll-off + front-load commercial experience, zero at-fault incidents, 99.6% first-pass completion at my current employer, and clearinghouse clean, market for a senior CDL A driver in [metro] run...

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary

Q: What is the career ladder for refuse and recyclable material collectorss?

The typical refuse and recyclable material collectors career ladder: Helper / Rear-Load Loader (0-2 yrs, $34-46k base + $3-9k overtime) → Route Driver / Operator (CDL-B) (2-5 yrs, $48-62k base + $6-14k overtime) → Senior Driver / Route Lead / Sanitation Worker (top step, public) (5-15 yrs, $58-115k depending on employer — private hauler $58-78k · NYC DSNY top step $95-115k · LA/Chicago $75-95k) → Route Supervisor / Operations Supervisor (8-15 yrs, $65-98k base + $8-25k overtime + bonus).

The median refuse and recyclable material collectors salary in the United States is $49,690 per year ($23.89/hour). Salaries range from $33,590 at the entry level to $75,900+ for the top 10% of earners. There are 147,240 refuse and recyclable material collectors jobs nationwide. Employment is projected to grow 0.9% through 2034.

Last updated: June 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median Salary

$49,690

per year

Hourly Rate

$23.89

per hour

Employment

147,240

jobs in the U.S.

Salary Distribution

10th percentile

$33,590

25th percentile

$39,080

Median

$49,690

75th percentile

$62,020

90th percentile

$75,900

Job Growth (2024-2034)

+0.9%

Slower than average

Annual Openings

16,900

jobs/year (growth + replacements)

Education Required

No formal educational credential

Training Needed

Short-term on-the-job training

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Career Guide

Interview questions, resume templates, and a career ladder written specifically for refuse and recyclable material collectorss.

Refuse and recyclable material collectors run the trucks and helper crews that keep municipal and commercial waste moving — residential rear-load, side-load automated collection, front-load commercial, roll-off construction, and recycling routes. It's a $49,690 median role (p10 $33,590 · p90 $75,900 · ~147,240 employed) with strong overtime, union representation in most metros, and pension access in the top public-sector positions. Entry (helper / rear-load loader) $34-44k; established (driver / operator) $48-62k; senior driver $58-78k. The highest-paying seat in the entire industry is New York City DSNY sanitation worker — top-step pay $95-115k base with overtime that routinely pushes total comp above $130k, plus a 22-year pension. LA Bureau of Sanitation and Chicago Streets & Sanitation follow at $75-95k top step. Private-sector giants (Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental) pay hourly, offer 401(k) match, and reward CDL A drivers on high-volume routes.

Core Skills Hiring Managers Screen For

CDL Class B (Class A for roll-off + long-haul)

Class B with air-brake required for standard rear-load, side-load, and front-load trucks. Class A required for roll-off tractor units and any interstate transfer. Both are the pay wall — CDL-holders earn 30-50% more than helpers.

Route running & time management

A residential route is 800-1,200 stops per day, run in 8-10 hours. Efficient sequencing, container placement, hydraulic-lift timing, and knowing which stops always take extra — this is the difference between a 9-hour route and a 12-hour route.

Automated side-load (ASL) & front-load truck operation

Cab-mounted joystick or pedal-operated hydraulic arm on ASL trucks; overhead fork on front-load commercial. Precision matters — a missed grab is a spilled cart and a return trip.

Rear-load lift & load technique

Manual and semi-automatic lifting; hopper cycling; blade jams and rammer resets. Rear-load helpers lift 4,000-8,000 lbs of trash per shift on a full route. Body mechanics and pace pacing are how you last 20 years without a back injury.

DOT compliance & pre-trip / post-trip inspection

Federal Motor Carrier hours-of-service rules, DVIR (driver vehicle inspection report), brake tests, tire and fluid checks. A missed pre-trip is a citation and a suspension.

Customer interaction & complaint handling

Missed pickups, damaged carts, blocked cans, HOA and building-manager disputes. Drivers at Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections handle complaints via truck-tablet apps in real time.

Physical stamina & body mechanics

Rear-load crews walk 6-14 miles per shift and lift constantly. Hydration, footwear, gloves, hearing protection, back-belt discipline. Zero-tolerance drug and alcohol testing under federal DOT rules.

Route familiarity & container inventory

Every serviced address has a container ID, service level, and any special notes (locked gate, dog, alley access). Missed containers or wrong containers rolled to landfill create bill-back and complaints.

How to Become a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors

1
Get a high-school diploma or GED and clean MVR
Every employer runs a 3-5 year MVR; DUIs, reckless driving, or CDL suspensions disqualify almost universally. Federal DOT drug clearinghouse must be clean.
2
Start as a helper / loader on a rear-load truck
$34-44k at private haulers; $45-58k at NYC DSNY, LA, Chicago. No CDL required; hourly + overtime. Learn the route, the truck, and the pace over 6-24 months.
3
Obtain CDL Class B with air-brake endorsement
Most employers sponsor training and pay for the road test after a probation period. Waste Management, Republic Services, and public agencies all run in-house CDL schools.
4
Move to driver / operator seat on ASL, front-load, or roll-off
$48-62k at private, $58-78k at top public agencies. 2-5 years in. Driver seat is where overtime and route bonuses stack.
5
Test into senior driver / lead driver / route supervisor
$58-78k private, $75-115k+ at NYC DSNY / LA / Chicago top step. 5-15 years. Requires clean safety record, senior operator scores, and (public) civil-service promotional exam.
6
Advance to Operations Supervisor / Route Manager
$68-115k depending on region and employer. 8-20 years. Runs a district's routes, drivers, and safety program. At Waste Management or Republic Services, this is a corporate track with equity or LTIP.

Career Progression

Helper / Rear-Load Loader

0-2 yrs$34-46k base + $3-9k overtime

•Manual lift and load on rear-load routes; hopper cycling
•Assist driver with backing, container placement, and route sheets
•Report missed stops, damaged carts, contamination in recycling
•Get CDL Class B within first 12-24 months (employer-sponsored)

Next: CDL driver seat once Class B is in hand and operator scores pass.

Route Driver / Operator (CDL-B)

2-5 yrs$48-62k base + $6-14k overtime

•Operate rear-load, automated side-load, front-load commercial, or roll-off truck
•Complete 800-1,200 residential stops or 30-90 commercial stops per shift
•Own pre-trip / post-trip inspection, DVIR, DOT logs
•Handle customer interactions via cab tablet or radio

Next: Senior Driver at 4-8 years, with clean safety record and specialty route.

Senior Driver / Route Lead / Sanitation Worker (top step, public)

5-15 yrs$58-115k depending on employer — private hauler $58-78k · NYC DSNY top step $95-115k · LA/Chicago $75-95k

•Lead specialty routes (roll-off, industrial, hazardous, downtown)
•Train new drivers and helpers; assist route supervisor on complaints
•Emergency response — spills, cart theft, illegal dumping
•At public agencies: eligible for pension after 5-10 years vesting

Next: Operations Supervisor / Route Manager at 8-15 years.

Route Supervisor / Operations Supervisor

8-15 yrs$65-98k base + $8-25k overtime + bonus

•Supervise 12-30 drivers and helpers across a district
•Own safety, DOT compliance, and DVIR completeness
•Investigate accidents, complaints, and disciplinary matters
•Interface with dispatch, customer service, and district manager

Next: District Manager / Route Manager at 12-20 years.

District Manager / Operations Manager

12+ yrs$85-155k base + bonus + LTIP (private) or pension (public)

•Own a hauling district — 60-200 drivers, $8-40M annual revenue
•P&L responsibility; route optimization, fuel, maintenance, safety
•Union relationships and contract compliance
•At NYC DSNY / LA / Chicago: DSNY Superintendent or Streets & Sanitation Sr Manager, appointed track.

Next: Regional VP / Division President (private) or DSNY Chief / Bureau Director (public).

Interview Questions & Answers

5 free questions below. Career Kit unlocks 15 total plus resume bullets for every level.

Q1. Tell me about your driving record and any DOT violations you've had in the last 5 years.closer

This is the first gate at every employer — Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL Environmental, NYC DSNY, LA Bureau of Sanitation, Chicago Streets & Sanitation. Answer honestly. Come to the interview with your MVR printout in hand. Any moving violation in the last 3 years, DUI in the last 5-7 years, or CDL suspension in the last 5 years disqualifies at nearly every hauler. If you're clean, say so directly and offer the printout. If you had a minor violation 4+ years ago (speeding, following too close), name it, name what you changed, and let the recruiter make the call. Hiding it makes it worse — the clearinghouse and MVR check catch everything.

Q2. Walk me through your pre-trip inspection on a rear-load truck.technical

Federal DOT covers 7 major categories on the DVIR: brakes (service and parking, air pressure buildup, low-air warning), tires (tread depth, cuts, matching duals), lights (headlights, tail, brake, marker, hopper), horn and mirrors, fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, hydraulic, DEF), steering and suspension (leaks, worn components), and body/hopper (rammer, blade, packer, tailgate latch, safety interlock). Walk around counter-clockwise starting driver door. Test brakes at low speed before leaving the yard. Any defect on a safety item — brakes, lights, tires — gets red-tagged and grounds the truck. Any missed pre-trip is a $500-2,500 DOT citation and points against your CDL.

Q3. Your automated side-load arm is failing to grab a specific cart. What do you do?situational

First rule: don't force it. A missed grab that scrapes the cart or crushes it costs $85-350 in customer replacement and creates a complaint. Try 3 approach angles — the cart is probably placed too close to the curb, blocked by a parked car, or has a bent handle. If the third attempt fails, get out and hand-load using the rear step. Log it on the cab tablet with a note ('cart placement issue' or 'damaged cart') so dispatch or the customer-service team knows for the next service day. Never leave a stop unserviced without a logged reason — that's how you get a missed-pickup complaint routed to your route supervisor.

Q4. You witness another driver taking a shortcut that skips a container. How do you handle it?behavioral

The right answer is not to snitch anonymously or to fight the driver in the yard. Talk to the driver directly and privately first — sometimes there's context you don't know (a customer put out the cart late, dispatch already noted it, the container was contaminated and required a different truck). If the behavior is real and repeats, that's a route supervisor conversation. Waste Management, Republic Services, and NYC DSNY all track missed-stop rates by truck ID and camera; skipped containers get caught in 3-7 days anyway. Reporting matters but so does giving the driver the chance to correct.

Q5. Why do you want to work at NYC DSNY (or LA Bureau of Sanitation, Chicago) instead of Waste Management or Republic Services?culture

The honest answer: total compensation. NYC DSNY tops out at $95-115k base with overtime that routinely pushes total comp to $130-155k, plus a 22-year pension worth $50-70k/year in retirement. LA Bureau of Sanitation and Chicago Streets & Sanitation follow the same public-sector pension pattern. Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, and GFL Environmental pay $58-78k on strong routes with 401(k) match — good money, but no pension. If you want stability, a 20-year union job, and the pension, public wins. If you want faster promotion, no residency test, and mobility across markets, private wins. Say that plainly — recruiters respect candidates who did the math.

Resume Template — Route Driver / Operator (2-5 yrs)

Copy these bullets into your resume as a starting point. Career Kit includes bullets for every level of the ladder.

Route Driver / Operator (2-5 yrs)

▸4 years with [private hauler] as ASL Driver covering 950-stop residential route in [city]; 99.4% first-pass completion rate FY24.
▸CDL Class B with air-brake endorsement. Federal DOT medical current. Clearinghouse clean. Zero at-fault accidents in 4 years.
▸Rated on automated side-load, front-load commercial, and rear-load. Tablet-based route management + real-time customer complaint logging.
▸$58k base + $9.6k overtime + benefit stack. Perfect attendance FY24. On CDL Class A upgrade track for roll-off promotion.

What Gets You Rejected

✗Any DUI in the last 5-7 years, moving violation in the last 3 years, or CDL suspension will disqualify at almost every hauler.
✗Failed pre-employment drug screen or a positive result on the federal Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse — this follows you across employers.
✗Unwillingness to work early starts (4-5 AM) or Saturdays — most residential routes are 5-day week Tuesday-Saturday.
✗History of back or shoulder injuries without medical clearance — this is a physical role and pre-hire physicals are common.
✗No plan to get CDL — you can start as helper, but if you're not on the CDL track within 12-18 months you cap out and the seat goes to someone else.

Salary Negotiation Levers

✓CDL Class A vs Class B — Class A opens roll-off, transfer, and interstate work, adding $2-5/hour on most hauler pay plans.
✓Route type — automated side-load pays a driver premium over rear-load helper; roll-off pays highest hourly plus commercial commissions.
✓Public sector premium — NYC DSNY tops out $95-115k + pension; LA Bureau of Sanitation, Chicago Streets & Sanitation follow. Trade lower entry pay for 20-year pension.
✓Metro / high-cost markets — Bay Area, Seattle, Boston, DC private-hauler wages run 25-45% above BLS median; Waste Management West Coast and Republic Services California command premiums.
✓Overtime routes — high-volume commercial and roll-off routes routinely add $8-25k in overtime. Ask about route assignment before signing.
✓Union representation — Teamsters Local 813 (NYC), Teamsters Local 396 (LA), Teamsters Local 731 (Chicago) drive wage floors 15-30% above non-union private in the same market.
✓Route bonus / safety bonus — Waste Management pays quarterly safety and productivity bonuses of $500-2,500; Republic Services runs comparable programs.
✓Sign-on for CDL A drivers — $1,500-8,000 sign-on is standard for experienced CDL A drivers at Waste Management, Republic Services, Waste Connections, GFL when route demand is high.

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Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary by State

Best Cities (cost-adjusted) →

Salary Map — Click a state for details

$33K

$75K■ No data

Top Paying States

Vertical line = national median. Click a state for full details.

State	Median	vs. National	Employment
Illinois	$75,050	+51.0%	4,910
Washington	$74,620	+50.2%	3,750
New York	$64,950	+30.7%	11,630
California	$64,890	+30.6%	13,930
Oregon	$63,210	+27.2%	2,500
Minnesota	$62,570	+25.9%	2,500
Nevada	$61,310	+23.4%	770
Delaware	$61,290	+23.3%	600
Colorado	$60,310	+21.4%	3,700
Wisconsin	$59,810	+20.4%	1,550

Showing 1–10 of 51

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors Salary by Metro Area

Metro Area	Median	vs. National
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA	$87,430	+76.0%
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA	$77,570	+56.1%
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN	$77,470	+55.9%
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA	$76,340	+53.6%
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL	$75,440	+51.8%
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA	$75,090	+51.1%
Kennewick-Richland, WA	$74,180	+49.3%
Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA	$73,770	+48.5%
Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA	$73,110	+47.1%
Napa, CA	$72,450	+45.8%

Showing 1–10 of 315

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Data reflects the most recent annual survey.

How does this compare to pro athletes?

A refuse and recyclable material collectors earning $49,690/year would need 1200 years to match Stephen Curry's NBA salary, or 1288 yearsto match Patrick Mahomes' NFL contract.

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