The role of a garbage truck driver is a stable career path that is vital to community health and cleanliness. This hands-on job offers significant career stability and plays a direct part in public sanitation. The profession is ideal for individuals who enjoy operating heavy machinery and prefer a consistent work schedule close to home.
What a Garbage Truck Driver Does
A garbage truck driver’s day is structured and physically active, involving the operation of a heavy-duty truck to collect waste. These professionals navigate designated residential or commercial routes, using the truck’s hydraulic systems to lift and empty receptacles. A primary duty includes performing mandatory pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.
Drivers must adhere to a strict schedule while maneuvering large vehicles through narrow city or suburban streets. They are responsible for transporting the collected waste to a landfill or recycling center. The role is physically demanding and requires clear communication with dispatchers about route changes or other issues.
Essential Requirements for the Role
Prospective drivers must meet several foundational requirements. An applicant must be at least 18 years old to drive within their state, though many employers and interstate routes require drivers to be 21. A high school diploma or a GED is also required by most companies in the waste management industry.
Beyond age and education, prospective drivers must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination and a drug screening. A clean driving record with a standard driver’s license is also necessary. Some companies may prefer candidates with experience operating large vehicles, though this is not always a requirement.
How to Get Your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Operating a garbage truck, a vehicle that weighs over 26,000 pounds, legally requires a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The process is regulated and involves several steps to ensure all drivers meet federal and state standards.
Meet the Basic CDL Prerequisites
The first step is obtaining a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), which requires a valid standard driver’s license and passing written knowledge tests at the DMV. The CLP allows supervised practice on public roads with a qualified CDL holder. This permit must be held for a minimum of 14 days before taking the final skills test.
Pass the Written Knowledge Tests
Several written exams must be passed to secure a Class B CLP and CDL. The General Knowledge test covers driving rules, vehicle control, and safety protocols. The Air Brakes endorsement test is also required, as these vehicles use air brake systems.
Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
A federal mandate requires all new applicants for a Class B CDL to complete an Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program. This training must be from a provider on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry. The ELDT curriculum includes classroom theory and behind-the-wheel training on a driving range and public roads.
Pass the CDL Skills Test
The final step is passing the three-part skills test in a representative vehicle, like a garbage truck. The first part is the vehicle inspection test, demonstrating a thorough pre-trip inspection. The second is the basic control skills test, which involves maneuvering the truck on a closed course. The final part is the on-road driving test, where an examiner evaluates performance in real-world traffic.
Important Skills for Success
Certain practical skills are needed for success as a garbage truck driver. The job requires physical stamina for manual tasks like lifting heavy bins. Excellent spatial awareness is needed to navigate large trucks through congested streets and tight alleyways without incident. Reliability and punctuality are highly valued, as waste collection runs on a strict schedule. Drivers must also work well independently while coordinating with other team members.
Finding a Garbage Truck Driver Job
Job opportunities exist in both the private and public sectors. Private waste management companies, from national corporations to local firms, are a primary source of employment. Public sector jobs are available with municipal or county governments that manage their own collection services.
Job seekers can find listings on company career pages, government job portals, and major online job boards. When preparing a resume, it is beneficial to highlight the Class B CDL, a clean driving record, and any experience with heavy machinery. Emphasizing physical fitness and a strong work ethic can also help a candidate stand out to potential employers.
Salary and Career Outlook
The career of a garbage truck driver offers competitive pay and strong job security. The median annual wage for refuse and recyclable material collectors was $45,760 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and whether the employer is a private company or a government entity.
Demand for waste collection remains constant regardless of economic conditions, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects consistent employment in this field. Many positions, especially in the public sector, also come with comprehensive benefits packages. These often include health insurance and retirement plans, making it a financially sound career choice.