CDL Residential Driver

Why GFL?

At GFL Environmental, our drivers are the backbone of our operation and the face of our company in the communities we serve. We offer steady, year-round work, well-maintained equipment, a strong safety culture, and opportunities to grow your career with a leading environmental services company. When you join GFL, you’re not just driving a truck—you’re helping keep communities clean, safe, and sustainable.

The CDL Residential Driver is responsible for the safe and efficient collection of residential waste, recycling, and yard waste along an assigned route. This role requires professionalism, attention to safety, and pride in delivering reliable service while operating side-load and/or rear-load collection vehicles and related equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate residential waste and recycling collection vehicles (side-load and/or rear-load) and associated hydraulic equipment along designated routes.

• Collect solid waste, yard waste, and recyclables by loading materials into the rear or side of the collection vehicle.

• Operate compaction equipment to safely and efficiently load materials into the truck.

• Utilize proper driving and operating techniques to prevent driver-induced mechanical issues and ensure equipment longevity.

• Perform thorough pre-trip and post-trip safety inspections, completing all required reports and documentation daily.

• Promptly report mechanical concerns, safety issues, or equipment damage to supervisors and maintenance personnel.

• Maintain a clean, professional vehicle appearance by regularly cleaning the cab interior and exterior.

• Maintain inventory of residential carts, containers, and spare parts and recommend replenishment as needed.

• Follow all company safety policies and comply with federal, state/provincial, and local regulations regarding vehicle operation and waste handling.

• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times, including gloves, reflective vest, safety glasses, and work boots.

• Identify prohibited or unacceptable waste items, tag them appropriately, and remove them from carts when required.

• Immediately report accidents, incidents, or near-misses to supervision.

• Exhibit professionalism and courtesy when interacting with customers and the public while on route or in uniform.

• Work closely with Route Supervisors to maintain route quality standards and improve routing efficiencies.

• Direct and support assigned Helpers, when applicable.

• Attend safety meetings, tailgate talks, and branch meetings as required.

• Be flexible to work overtime as operational needs require.

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support operational excellence.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required.

• Minimum of one (1) year of commercial driving experience or completion of an accredited CDL training program.

• Ability to meet all safety-sensitive job requirements in accordance with company standards.

• Demonstrated ability to safely operate collection vehicles and related equipment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of waste collection vehicles, components, and basic maintenance for safe operation.

• Ability to maneuver large vehicles in tight spaces, high-traffic areas, and residential neighborhoods using mirrors and safe backing techniques.

• Ability to recognize and properly handle prohibited or hazardous waste materials.

• Strong communication skills for interacting with supervisors, customers, and the public.

• Ability to read, write, and understand route sheets, maps, and related documentation.

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions with attention to detail.

• Commitment to safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

• Physical capability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly using proper lifting techniques.

• Strong coordination and situational awareness while sitting or standing.

Physical & Mental Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, talk, hear, and smell.

• Visual acuity including close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment due to frequent maneuvering in tight and high-traffic areas.

• Ability to regularly lift up to 10 lbs., frequently up to 25 lbs., and occasionally up to 100 lbs.

• Sitting required up to 75% of the workday while operating vehicles.

• Ability to work safely in loud environments.

Working Conditions

• Outdoor work environment up to 100% of the time.

• Frequent exposure to loud noise, vibration, moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, and varying weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and humidity.

• Regular operation in active traffic environments and residential neighborhoods.

• Occasionally work in elevated or precarious positions.

• Noise levels are typically loud.

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