Garbage and recycling truck driving is a stable career choice with consistent year-round demand. Municipalities and private waste companies rely on skilled drivers to keep operations running smoothly.
The work offers dependable hours, competitive pay, and the benefit of being home every day, which very few trucking career options offer.
In this blog, we break down your responsibilities as a garbage or recycling truck driver, licensing and requirements, and tips for career success.
Your Job Responsibilities as a Garbage or Recycling Truck Driver
This role involves more than simply operating a truck. Drivers are a key part of waste and recycling operations, ensuring materials are collected safely and on time. Typical duties include:
- Operate a garbage or recycling collection truck along assigned routes
- Collect waste, recyclables, and sometimes bulk or yard materials
- Secure loads according to disposal or recycling standards
- Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections
- Operate hydraulic lifts and compactors safely
- Communicate with dispatch for route updates
- Follow municipal and environmental regulations
Licensing Requirements in Ontario
The type of licence you need depends on the vehicle:
- Class D licence – Required for most straight-body collection trucks over 11,000 kg GVWR
- Class A licence – Needed for articulated or tractor-trailer style waste haulers
- Air Brake (Z) endorsement – Required if your truck uses air brakes
To obtain your licence, you must:
- Hold a valid Ontario Class G licence
- Pass a vision test and medical exam
- Complete the written knowledge test
- Pass a road test in the appropriate vehicle
Mandatory Entry Level Training
You will also need to complete MELT D (Mandatory Entry-Level Training for Class D) before booking your road test. This program teaches vehicle handling, safety protocols, and compliance requirements for larger trucks.
Caledon Truck Driving School offers Ministry-approved MELT D training to prepare you for both the test and the demands of the job. Schedule a free consultation today.
Additional Training and Certification We Recommend
- WHMIS certification for handling hazardous waste
- Workplace safety training for lifting and equipment operation
- First Aid/CPR
- Defensive driving for urban and residential routes
Career Path and Earnings in Ontario
As an entry-level garbage or recycling truck driver, you can expect to earn between $40,000 and $48,000 annually (about $20–$23/hour). Pay generally increases with experience, additional certifications, and moving into supervisory or specialized roles.
Career progression and earning potential:
- Experienced Driver – $50,000 to $65,000 annually
- Supervisory or Route Management Roles – $70,000+ annually
- Specialized Waste Transport (hazardous/industrial) – Can exceed $80,000 annually
Tips for Success
Your performance not only impacts public safety but also reflects on your employer’s reputation.
- Keep your licence and medical documentation current
- Learn efficient route planning to improve productivity
- Follow safety best practices for lifting and operating equipment
- Stay updated on waste and recycling regulations in your service area
- Build a strong reputation for punctuality and reliability
- Maintain your truck’s cleanliness and mechanical condition
- Communicate clearly with your team and dispatch about delays or issues
- Handle equipment with care to prevent breakdowns and service interruptions
- Approach customers and residents with courtesy to foster positive interactions
Start Your Career with CTDS’s MELT D Program
If you’re ready to start a stable career where you can be home every night and work in a role that’s always in demand, CTDS’s MELT D program is the first step. Our Ministry-approved training prepares you to earn your Class D licence and gives you the skills employers want.
Contact us today to get started!
