Residential Waste Helper

GFL Environmental Inc. • Lynchburg, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Residential Waste Helper safely assists drivers and other employees in collecting solid waste and recyclable materials from residential customers. The role involves loading waste into collection vehicles, sorting recyclables when applicable, helping drivers maneuver vehicles safely, and operating truck equipment to compact materials. The helper also supports route quality, customer service, vehicle cleanliness, safety checks, and other branch tasks as needed.

The position follows a Monday–Friday schedule, starting at 5 a.m. and working until route completion. Starting pay is $18 per hour, with weekly overtime. Work is primarily outdoors and on routes away from the branch, with frequent exposure to traffic, noise, weather, mechanical parts, chemicals, fumes, and airborne particles. GFL offers paid time off, medical plan options, insurance coverage, retirement matching, paid holidays, and an Employee Assistance Program.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED desired, but not required.
• One to three months of related experience and/or training desired, but not required.
• Valid driver’s license preferred, but not required.
• Must meet company criteria for safety-sensitive functions.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate with others.
• Ability to follow instructions and perform duties under limited supervision.
• Ability to operate equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Able to stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift in an outdoor environment for 90% of the time.
• Able to use hands and fingers, kneel, crawl, talk, hear, climb, and balance.
• Visual ability including close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Able to manually lift or move up to 65 pounds regularly.
• Able to manually push or move up to 100 pounds with assistance from another employee.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or GED.
• One to three months of related experience and/or training.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Collect solid waste and recyclable materials from customer premises or curbside locations, as applicable.
• Load solid waste into the rear or side of the collection vehicle.
• Sort recyclables and place materials in the appropriate truck compartments, if applicable.
• Direct the driver when backing up or maneuvering in close spaces.
• Operate truck equipment to compact trash and other materials.
• Check the waste collection vehicle for required equipment before leaving the branch.
• Report customer-related problems to the driver immediately.
• Identify, tag, and notify the driver about prohibited waste items, and remove those items from carts or cans.
• Follow safety procedures, equipment checks, and applicable safety and vehicle-operation rules.
• Work with the supervisor to improve routing efficiency and maintain route quality standards.
• Wear required personal protective equipment at all times.
• Maintain a professional demeanor, manner, and appearance when interacting with customers or the public.
• Help keep the interior cab and exterior of the vehicle clean.
• Assist with sorting, cleaning carts, cleaning the warehouse, stacking pallets or gaylords, placing cans in roll-off containers, and operating the cardboard compactor, as needed.
• Attend safety and branch meetings.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required or requested by management.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED