CDL Residential Driver

GFL Environmental Inc. • Columbia, SC

3d

About The Position

The Residential / Recycling Driver safely operates front-load, side-load, or rear-load collection vehicles to service residential and recycling routes. The role involves timely, efficient, and safe collection of solid waste, yard waste, and recyclables, while maintaining customer service, equipment care, and regulatory compliance. Drivers collect materials on curbside and/or backdoor routes and transport them to post-collection facilities.

The position requires completing vehicle and route documentation, following safety procedures, maintaining route quality, and communicating with customers, supervisors, and team members. Work is performed primarily outdoors on active routes, with frequent exposure to weather, noise, vibration, traffic, and moving mechanical parts.

Requirements

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• At least 1 year of commercial driving experience or completion of a CDL training program.
• Ability to safely operate collection vehicles and associated equipment.
• Must meet all safety-sensitive job requirements.
• Working knowledge of collection vehicles and basic maintenance requirements.
• Ability to maneuver large vehicles in tight spaces and heavy traffic.
• Ability to identify unacceptable or prohibited waste materials.
• Strong communication skills with internal teams and external customers.
• Ability to read, write, and follow maps, instructions, and route documents.
• Commitment to safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 lbs repetitively using proper lifting techniques.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while driving, up to 75% of the workday.

Nice To Haves

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate residential and recycling collection vehicles and hydraulic equipment on assigned routes.
• Load solid waste, yard waste, and recyclables into collection vehicles.
• Operate compaction equipment to ensure efficient vehicle loading.
• Use proper driving techniques to prevent driver-induced mechanical failures.
• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections, Safety Lane reports, daily route documentation, and other required records.
• Immediately report mechanical issues, accidents, or incidents to supervisors.
• Follow federal, state, local, and company safety policies and procedures.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Maintain route quality standards and provide professional service to customers and the public.
• Identify and tag prohibited waste items according to company guidelines.
• Maintain a clean vehicle, including the cab interior and exterior.
• Work with supervisors to improve routing efficiency.
• Manage assigned helper(s), if applicable.
• Attend safety meetings, branch meetings, and training sessions.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.
• Work overtime as required.

Benefits

• 15 days of paid time off
• Four medical plan options, including an HSA with employer contribution and match
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free counseling services
• Career growth and development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed