Waste Collection Helper Jobs in Canada
Sector: Waste Management & Public Services · Typical gross pay: $18–$35 CAD/hour · Typical locations: Ontario (Toronto / GTA), Alberta (Calgary / Edmonton), British Columbia (Vancouver)
Hiring snapshot
This page describes a typical Waste Collection Helper role in Canada. Exact duties, schedule and pay depend on the employer, province, route type (residential vs commercial), and whether the role is union or non-union.
| Typical gross pay | $18–$35 CAD/hour (range varies by province, experience, route complexity, and overtime) |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Early starts are common; shifts often run 8–12 hours depending on route volume and season |
| Work setting | Outdoor, all-weather; curbside collection and commercial pickups; frequent stepping on/off the truck |
| Physical demand | Repetitive lifting/carrying, walking, climbing steps; sustained pace on a moving route |
What you’ll do on a typical route
Day-to-day tasks
- Ride with the driver and support safe collection along residential streets or commercial sites
- Move bins/carts to the truck, position them safely, and return them neatly after emptying
- Handle bagged waste and bulky items where permitted by the route rules
- Keep pace with the route schedule while maintaining traffic awareness and safe lifting technique
- Separate obvious non-compliant items when instructed (e.g., prohibited materials) and report issues
- Assist with tip-floor / disposal site procedures (staging, spotting, basic cleanup as instructed)
Sites & collection types
- Residential curbside: high repetition, steady walking, frequent short lifts
- Multi-unit / condo: larger bins and longer pulls; teamwork matters
- Commercial: tighter spaces, loading docks, variable waste types, stricter site rules
Pay (gross) and what drives the rate
Typical gross pay for a Waste Collection Helper in Canada often falls in the $18–$35 CAD/hour range, depending on location and employer structure.
| Province / region | Local labour market, municipal contracts, and prevailing wages vary across Canada |
|---|---|
| Union vs non-union | Unionized routes may have defined wage steps; non-union wages may vary more by company and season |
| Experience & reliability | Proven route performance and attendance can influence assignment priority and hourly rate progression |
| Overtime & premiums | Overtime may apply after standard hours; shift premiums can exist for early/late or specialized routes |
Requirements (baseline)
Must-have
- Basic communication in English (enough for safety instructions and route coordination)
- Strong reliability: early starts, consistent attendance, and readiness for a fast route pace
- Ability to perform repetitive lifting/carrying and frequent stepping on/off the vehicle
- Safety mindset: traffic awareness, correct handling of bins/carts, and following supervisor direction
- Eligibility to work in Canada (as required by law and employer policy)
Requirements vary by employer, province and contract. Some employers may request background checks or additional site clearances depending on the client.
Work conditions & safety
Schedule, overtime, weather
- Early start: routes often begin early to match municipal or commercial pickup windows
- Overtime: may occur due to route volume, detours, weather delays, or seasonal peaks
- All-weather: expect outdoor work; winter traction and visibility rules are important where applicable
- Probation: some employers use a probation period focused on safety, pace, and attendance
Documents for legal work in Canada (general)
Employers must hire workers who are legally authorized to work in Canada. The exact pathway depends on the candidate’s status and the employer’s hiring model.
- Work authorization: commonly discussed as an employer-specific work permit or an open work permit (terms used broadly; eligibility depends on your situation)
- Identity documents: valid passport or government photo ID (as required by the employer)
- Employer screening: some roles/sites request background checks or client clearance (varies)
- Role readiness: proof of relevant labour experience and safety training can strengthen your application
This page is informational and does not replace employer instructions or official immigration guidance. Always follow the requirements in the employer’s formal hiring process.
Candidate portrait
You are a good fit if you…
- can start early and show up reliably, even when the weather is not comfortable
- keep a steady pace without sacrificing safety or quality
- follow instructions quickly and communicate clearly with the driver/crew
- are comfortable with repetitive lifting and constant movement on a route
- stay alert around traffic, pedestrians, and tight collection areas
- take pride in doing essential work that affects the whole community
- can handle routine tasks consistently (day after day) without cutting corners
Hiring story: how crews usually operate
- Create or upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
- Add your availability, preferred province/city, and any relevant labour or safety experience
- Submit your application — we contact shortlisted candidates
Pay ranges are indicative. Actual pay depends on province, union/non-union settings, overtime rules, experience and employer policy.
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FAQ
Is a CV required?
Yes. Candidates without a CV are not considered. Use mavial.pl/en/cv.html.