20 Waste Connections Interview Questions and Answers

Waste Connections is North America’s leading provider of integrated waste management solutions, serving more than seven million residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers.

If you’re applying for a job at Waste Connections, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, work history, and availability. In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of Waste Connections interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Waste Connections Interview Process

The interview process at Waste Connections can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least two rounds of interviews, often including a phone screen followed by an in-person interview. For some positions, like Junior Software Developer, you may be asked to complete a skills test or analysis as part of the interview process. Overall, the interview process is generally fairly lengthy, and candidates report that it can be difficult to get feedback from recruiters after interviews.

1. Why do you want to work at Waste Connections?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their company. Use your answer to highlight any personal or professional values that align with Waste Connections’ mission, vision or goals.

Example: “I want to work at Waste Connections because I am passionate about helping communities become more sustainable. In my last role as an operations manager, I saw how much of a difference we made in our community by recycling materials instead of sending them to landfills. I would love to continue this work and make even more progress toward sustainability.”

2. What is your experience with driving a truck?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have the skills and experience necessary for this position. If you don’t have any driving experience, consider talking about a time when you had to drive long distances or operate heavy machinery.

Example: “I’ve driven trucks before, but I’m not currently licensed to do so. However, I am familiar with all of the safety precautions required by law and how to operate a truck safely. In my last job, I drove a forklift on a daily basis, which helped me develop my ability to maneuver large vehicles.”

3. Tell us about a time when you had to deal with an angry customer. How did you handle the situation?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills. They want to know how you react when a customer is upset and whether or not you can diffuse the situation. In your answer, try to explain what steps you took to resolve the issue.

Example: “I once had a customer who was unhappy with our services because they were having issues with their trash pickup. I listened to them carefully and asked questions to make sure that I understood exactly what the problem was. Then, I explained why we couldn’t do anything differently in this case. The customer wasn’t happy with my response, but I did everything I could to help them.”

4. Describe your experience managing teams in a fast-paced environment.

Waste Connections is a fast-paced environment, so it’s important to show that you can handle the pressure. This question helps employers determine if you have experience working in this type of work environment and how well you perform under pressure. In your answer, explain what makes a fast-paced environment different from others and highlight some of your skills that help you succeed in these types of environments.

Example: “In my previous role as an operations manager for a waste management company, I managed a team of 20 employees who worked on trucks collecting trash. We had to meet certain deadlines each day, which required us to work quickly but safely. I developed a system where each employee knew their responsibilities and could communicate with me if they needed any guidance or assistance.”

5. Do you have any experience working with waste management software?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with waste management software and how you might use it in your role at Waste Connections. If you have worked with this type of software before, share what you liked about it and how it helped you complete your job duties. If you haven’t used this software before, explain that you are willing to learn new systems and technologies.

Example: “I’ve never had the opportunity to work with waste management software, but I am eager to learn more about it. In my current position as a recycling specialist, I rely on spreadsheets to track which bins need to be emptied and when they should be collected by the trucks. While this system works for me now, I would like to gain more knowledge about waste management software so I can improve my processes.”

6. What would you say is your greatest strength and weakness?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to answer honestly. Employers ask this question because they want to know what your greatest strengths are so that you can use them on the job. They also want to know about any weaknesses so that you can work on improving them. When answering this question, be sure to focus on your strengths first.

Example: “My greatest strength is my attention to detail. I am very thorough when performing tasks, which helps me ensure that I’m completing them correctly. My weakness is that sometimes I get overwhelmed by large projects. In these situations, I find it helpful to break down the project into smaller steps so that I can complete it successfully.”

7. Provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question is a great way to show your dedication and willingness to help others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific situation where you helped a customer in need or went above and beyond for them.

Example: “When I was working at my previous job, we had a customer who called us because they were having issues with their garbage disposal. They said that the disposal wasn’t working properly and asked if someone could come out right away. I told them that our technicians would be there within an hour, but they insisted on getting someone out sooner. So, I offered to go out myself and fix the problem. The customer was so grateful and gave us five-star reviews.”

8. Have you ever worked in a high stress environment before?

Working in a waste management company can be stressful at times. Employers ask this question to make sure you are prepared for the job and have experience working under pressure. In your answer, explain how you manage stress and what strategies you use to stay calm when things get hectic.

Example: “I’ve worked in waste management for five years now, so I am used to dealing with some high-pressure situations. However, I always try to remain calm and focused on my work. When I’m stressed, I take deep breaths and remind myself that everything will be okay. This helps me keep my emotions in check and focus on getting the task done.”

9. Which shift are you available to work?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you are flexible with your schedule. They want to know that you can work any shift, including nights and weekends, as needed. In your answer, let the interviewer know which shifts you’re available for and why those particular ones work best for you.

Example: “I’m available to work all three of Waste Connections’ standard shifts. I prefer working the night shift because it’s quieter and calmer than the day shift. However, I am willing to work whatever shift is most convenient for the company.”

10. Are you comfortable operating heavy machinery?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience operating machinery that’s used in the waste disposal industry. If you have previous experience operating heavy machinery, share a story of an instance where you were successful using it. If you don’t have any experience with heavy machinery, explain why and what types of machinery you’re comfortable using.

Example: “I’ve operated heavy machinery before when I worked at a construction site. The equipment was quite large, but I learned how to operate it after some practice. It took me a while to get used to driving the vehicle, but once I did, I became confident enough to drive it on my own. I’m also familiar with smaller machinery like forklifts and cranes.”

11. Can you tell me about a time when you were working on a team project and there was conflict, how did you handle it?

Teamwork is an important skill to have when working in a waste management company. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you can work well with others and resolve conflict. Use your answer to show that you are willing to compromise and help solve problems.

Example: “In my last position, I was part of a team that had to come up with new ways to reduce costs for the company. Some members of our group wanted to cut back on employee benefits while others wanted to keep them as they were. I suggested we find other areas where we could save money without cutting back on employee benefits. We found some areas where we could make cuts and still maintain current benefits.”

12. What goals have you set for yourself over the next 5 years?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your career goals and how they align with Waste Connections. Your answer should include what you hope to achieve in this role, but it’s also important to mention any other long-term goals that may not be related to work.

Example: “I would like to continue growing professionally at Waste Connections for many years. I’m hoping to become an operations manager within five years, so I am working hard to learn as much as I can about my current position and develop my skills. In the next year, I plan on taking some additional courses to improve my knowledge of recycling.”

13. How well do you work under pressure?

This question can help the interviewer determine how well you perform in high-pressure situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a time when you were faced with a challenge and overcame it successfully.

Example: “I work best under pressure because I know that it’s often during these moments where I can prove my skills as an employee. In my last role, we had a large project due at the end of the week, but our team was behind on some parts of the project. I volunteered to stay late for two nights in a row to get everything done so we could submit the report by the deadline.”

14. If hired, what would be your approach to improving efficiency on our assembly line?

Waste Connections is a company that values efficiency. The interviewer may ask this question to learn how you would apply your skills and experience to improve the company’s operations. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure all employees are working efficiently. Showcase your ability to analyze processes and implement changes that increase productivity.

Example: “I believe it’s important for everyone on the team to understand their role in achieving the company’s goals. I would hold regular meetings with my department to discuss our progress toward reaching production quotas. These meetings also give me an opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions for improving performance.

In addition to these meetings, I would make sure each employee has access to the necessary tools and training they need to do their job well. For example, if someone needs new equipment or software to help them complete their tasks more efficiently, I would work with management to get those resources.”

15. When was the last time you had to deal with a difficult customer or situation?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you handle conflict and stress. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication abilities and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Example: “In my last position as a customer service representative for an insurance company, I had a client who was very upset about her policy not covering a recent medical bill. She called me multiple times in one day, which made it difficult to focus on other clients. I remained calm and explained that we were working on finding a solution to her issue. After speaking with her several more times, I was able to find a way to cover her medical expenses.”

16. What would you do if you noticed that a fellow team member was not following company policy?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would handle a situation that could affect your team’s productivity. In your answer, try to show that you value teamwork and are willing to speak up for what is right.

Example: “If I noticed a fellow team member was not following company policy, I would first approach them in private to discuss my concerns. If they were still not complying with company policy after our discussion, I would report it to my supervisor so that they could address the issue. I believe that everyone deserves a chance to learn from their mistakes, so I would hope that by reporting the incident, the employee would be able to receive additional training or coaching.”

17. What type of training have you received in relation to hazardous materials?

Hazardous materials are a common part of the waste disposal industry. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary training and experience with handling hazardous materials. In your answer, share what type of training you’ve received in relation to hazardous materials. If you haven’t worked with hazardous materials before, explain how you would handle working with them if hired.

Example: “I have extensive experience working with hazardous materials. I attended a two-week course on hazardous materials when I first started my career as a waste management professional. The course taught me how to identify different types of hazardous materials and how to properly dispose of them. It also gave me an understanding of the safety precautions I need to take when working with hazardous materials.”

18. What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful operations supervisor?

Operations supervisors need to be able to manage a team of employees, keep track of the company’s budget and ensure that all operations are running smoothly. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your management style and how you would approach these tasks if you were hired for the position. In your answer, try to highlight some of your most important skills as they relate to this role.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities for a successful operations supervisor is communication. I believe it’s essential to stay in touch with my team members on a daily basis so we can discuss any issues or concerns before they become major problems. Another quality I feel is important is organization. I am very organized myself, and I know that having an efficient system for keeping track of budgets and other financial information can help me make sure our operations are always running smoothly.”

19. How much experience do you have with data entry?

Waste Connections is a technology-based company, so it’s likely that you’ll be working with computers and other devices. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience using data entry software or programs. Use your answer to highlight any skills you have with data entry.

Example: “I’ve worked in the waste management industry for five years now, and I’ve used data entry software since my first job as an office assistant. In my current role, I use data entry software daily to enter customer information into our database. I also regularly update our records by entering new information into the system.”

20. We want our drivers to be able to work independently. Do you think you would be a good fit for that type of environment?

Waste Connections wants to know that you can work independently and be successful in their company. They want drivers who are self-motivated, organized and able to complete tasks on time. When answering this question, it’s important to show the interviewer that you’re a hard worker who is willing to take on challenges.

Example: “I think I would be a great fit for working at Waste Connections because I’m very independent. I’ve worked as a driver before, so I have experience with driving long distances and being alone for most of the day. I also like having control over my own schedule, which is something I’d get if I were hired here.”