Waste haulers play a crucial role in maintaining clean and safe communities by collecting, transporting, and sometimes processing various types of waste. From residential garbage collection to specialized roles in industries like medical waste, construction, recycling, and hazardous materials (HAZMAT), waste haulers support essential services across diverse sectors.
Looking for a trucking job? We’ve got you covered. Find trucking jobs near you today!
What Do Waste Haulers Carry?
Waste haulers work across many industries, each with unique materials to transport. Here are some of the primary categories:
Municipal Solid Waste Haulers (Garbage Trucks)
- Collect everyday garbage and recyclables from residential neighborhoods and communal facilities.
- Operate on routes coordinated by private waste management companies serving municipalities.
Recycling Haulers
- Collect and transport recyclable materials like paper, glass, plastic, and metals.
- Often use compactor trucks or specialized recycling vehicles.
- Deliver materials to recycling facilities, which may involve sorting.
Construction and Demolition (C&D) Haulers
- Transport construction debris, demolition waste, and materials like wood, concrete, and drywall.
- Use roll-off or dump trucks to serve construction sites and dispose of waste at landfills or recycling centers.
Medical Waste Haulers
- Specialize in collecting and disposing of biomedical waste, including needles, surgical waste, and pharmaceuticals.
- Adhere to OSHA and EPA standards to ensure safe and compliant transportation.
Industrial Waste Haulers
- Handle non-hazardous and hazardous industrial waste, including scrap materials, chemicals, and manufacturing debris.
- Use roll-off trucks, tankers, or flatbeds for transportation to landfills, treatment plants, or recycling facilities.
HAZMAT (Hazardous Waste Haulers)
- Transport toxic, flammable, or otherwise dangerous materials such as chemicals, medical waste, or batteries.
- Use specialized vehicles like tanker trucks, sealed box trucks, or vacuum trucks.
- Follow strict EPA regulations and safety protocols.
Liquid Waste Haulers
- Move non-solid waste such as sewage, industrial sludge, grease, and wastewater.
- Use vacuum trucks or tankers to pump liquid from septic tanks, grease traps, and other sites for safe disposal.
What Kind of License Do Waste Haulers Need?
Most waste hauler positions require at least a CDL-B license. However, roles involving larger trailers or combination vehicles may require a CDL-A. Additionally, some jobs may need specific endorsements, including:
- H Endorsement: For transporting hazardous materials (HAZMAT).
- N Endorsement: Allows operation of tanker vehicles.
- X Endorsement: Combines H and N endorsements for transporting hazardous materials in tankers.
- T Endorsement: Allows the operation of double and triple trailers.
Waste Haulers: Keeping Our Communities Clean
Waste haulers are essential for maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of our cities and industries. This sector of trucking combines physical strength with skilled operation of specialized vehicles. If you’re someone who values consistent, local routes and enjoys contributing to the health of your community and environment, a career in waste hauling could be an excellent fit.
Looking for your next trucking job? We’ve partnered with top carriers across the country. Find a trucking job near you today!