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Athens Services

Waste collection, recycling, and environmental services

Residential Driver / Side Loader

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
$32.41 - $36.41/hr
Junior
City of Industry, CA, USA
In Person
Vehicle Operation & DeliveryTruck & Heavy Vehicle Driving

About the job

Requirements
  • A high school diploma or GED is required.
  • A valid Class A or B driver's license is required.
  • One year of experience operating a side-loader vehicle is required.
  • The candidate must be able to meet all Department of Transportation requirements.
  • The candidate must be able to perform the position's physical requirements, with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • The candidate must be able to provide customer service and manage time effectively.
  • The candidate must be able to follow through on multiple challenges as they arise.
Responsibilities
  • Operate a heavy-duty truck on assigned container delivery, recycling, residential, commercial, or industrial routes while complying with applicable transportation regulations and company policies.
  • Operate the vehicle in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Department of Transportation requirements, as well as local, state, and federal requirements.
  • Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections using the standard Driver Vehicle Inspection Report, and report vehicle deficiencies before and after each route day.
  • Monitor vehicle operation on the route and notify the Route Supervisor, Dispatch, or Maintenance of concerns.
  • Follow company safety policies and procedures and use the tools and resources provided.
  • Clean areas affected by accidental waste spills in accordance with applicable safety standards and policies.
  • Identify unsatisfactory waste barrels and tag containers due to waste-stream contamination.
  • Follow applicable rules and protocols when disposing of material at the Material Recovery Facility.
  • Maintain a clean and safe vehicle, including cleaning waste from the packer blade and truck body on each disposal trip where appropriate.
  • Wear required personal protective equipment while operating specified machinery.
  • Participate and cooperate in scheduled training, briefings, and safety meetings.
  • Work with Route Supervisors to improve route efficiencies and identify problems or unsafe accounts.
  • Perform duties as scheduled by the Route Supervisor or Dispatch and assist operations as directed.
  • Immediately notify the Route Supervisor of incidents, accidents, injuries, or property damage.
  • Communicate customer requests and issues to Dispatch or the Route Supervisor.
  • Completely empty containers, leave customer locations clean and free of debris, and position containers properly on customer property.
  • Follow route assignments and complete all documentation when checking in at the end of the route.
  • Maintain a positive and professional attitude when dealing with customers.
  • Push, pull, and lift bins, including bins exceeding 1,000 pounds, up hills and over uneven terrain; frequently lift up to 75 pounds and perform the stated physical activities.
  • Enter and exit the truck frequently, up to 150 times daily, using steps to access an elevated seat.
  • Work outdoors in weather and site conditions including wind, heat, cold, wet conditions, heavy equipment, refuse, dust, traffic, fumes, odors, grease, oil, chemicals, and noise; remain aware of surroundings and communicate with others.
Desired Qualifications
  • Being at least 21 years old is preferred.
  • Bilingual English and Spanish ability is preferred.
  • Three or more years of experience operating a commercial vehicle is preferred.
  • Work experience in the waste, environmental services, energy, or transportation industry is preferred.
  • A clean driving record is preferred.

About the company

Athens Services provides waste collection, recycling, and environmental services for residential, commercial, and public-sector customers in the greater Los Angeles area. It operates through a fleet of trucks and local facilities to collect trash, recycle materials, and compost waste, and it uses reuse and recycling to divert resources from landfills. The company emphasizes personalized, community-focused service and investment in people, technology, and the environment. It differentiates itself by being family-owned and operating with a focus on The Athens Way—great service, strong people, safety, and sustainability—rather than competing purely on scale. The goal is to deliver reliable service while fostering a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment for generations to come.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

La Puente, California

Founded

N/A

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Irwindale MRF targets 70 tons hourly and nearly 200,000 diverted tons annually.
  • Athens expanded Ventura County service starting January 1, 2024, deepening recurring revenue.
  • June 2026 hiring events and training programs signal continued volume growth and labor demand.

What critics are saying

  • AIG's March 24, 2026 lawsuit could exhaust defense cash and distract management.
  • PFAS-linked environmental claims threaten Athens' land-application model and insurance availability.
  • WM and Harrison can undercut bids, risking contract losses in Ventura and Los Angeles.

What makes Athens Services unique

  • Athens opened Irwindale MRF on April 3, 2026, using AI sorting and solar power.
  • Its Southern California franchise density creates hauling, transfer, and disposal synergies.
  • Athens pairs municipal contracts with workforce training programs for Pomona and Ventura.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Professional Development Budget
  • Exceptional Work Environment

Company News

Athens Services
Apr 3rd, 2026
Athens Services hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony for Irwindale MRF.

Athens Services hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony for Irwindale MRF. Home - news - Athens Services hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony for Irwindale MRF. Irwindale MRF ribbon-cutting ceremony marks major milestone. Athens Services recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new state-of-the-art Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in the City of Irwindale. What is the Irwindale MRF? The Irwindale MRF is a state-of-the-art Materials Recovery Facility operated by Athens Services that processes residential, commercial, and construction waste using advanced AI-powered sorting technology to improve recycling efficiency and sustainability. State-of-the-Art Irwindale MRF facility features and capabilities. This facility processes a mix of material streams including residential and commercial single stream recycling, C&D materials, organic materials, as well as being open to the public for self-hauling. Sitting on 17-acres and powered in part by solar energy, the Silver LEED Irwindale MRF is equipped with AI and advanced sorting technology. Irwindale MRF supports sustainability in the 626 region. "This facility proudly represents Athens Services' commitment to investing in modern technology to help our cities divert waste from landfills and focus more on sustainable practices, "noted Gary Clifford, Senior Executive Vice President, Government Affairs. "Our presence in Irwindale has always been strong. Along with this highly advanced MRF, we have our hauling yard, our Irwindale Office Center, and provide service to both residential and commercial customers. We greatly value our role as a trusted and collaborative partner to the City." Gary Clifford, Senior Executive Vice President, Government Affairs, Athens Services Anthony Bertrand, Executive Vice President, Athens Services Irwindale MRF leadership highlights vision & impact. Anthony Bertrand, Executive Vice President described the Irwindale MRF as "a labor of love... nearly two decades in the making," emphasizing the strong collaboration between Athens Services, its partners, and the City of Irwindale. Highlighting the facility's impact, they noted it will be "among the highest producing material recovery facilities in the nation," capable of processing massive volumes with advanced technology that captures up to 95% of recoverable materials. Beyond innovation, the project reflects a deeper mission - "a meaningful commitment to environmental stewardship and regional sustainability" - while also creating jobs and long-term opportunities, proving what's possible when "public and private partners share a long-term vision." Irwindale MRF: 20 years in the making. With more than 20 years in the making, this flagship MRF represents a significant milestone not only for Athens Services, but also for the City of Irwindale and Southern California. City of Irwindale leadership supports the new MRF. "Athens Services has been a valued part of the Irwindale community for many years, and we're proud to celebrate the opening of this new MRF in our city," said Irwindale Mayor H. Manuel Ortiz. "This investment brings advanced recycling technology, supports local jobs, and reflects our shared commitment to building a more sustainable future for our region." H. Manuel Ortiz, Mayor of Irwindale

Athens Services
Dec 23rd, 2025
Athens Services Proudly Supports CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive

Athens Services proudly supports CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive. Athens Services is proud to support the California Highway Patrol's annual CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive, a meaningful holiday tradition that helps deliver new, unwrapped toys to children and teens in need across Southern California. As a family-owned company rooted in the communities Company serve, giving back is part of who Company is, and CHiPs for Kids is one of the ways Company come together to spread kindness and joy during the season. This year, Athens teamed up with CHP and community partners at multiple toy drive locations including West Covina, Ontario, Commerce, and Thousand Oaks. The CBS Los Angeles coverage captured the heart of the effort, highlighting the generosity of residents who showed up to donate and the incredible teamwork that helps make the toy drive successful year after year. Company is grateful to everyone who donated, volunteered, and helped make a difference. Every toy collected represents a brighter holiday moment for a child, and Company is honored to play a role in supporting families throughout its service areas. From all of Company at Athens Services, thank you for helping bring holiday cheer to its communities. CBS News Los Angeles Emmy Award - winning anchor Amy Johnson speaks with Rondi Guthrie, Vice President of Government Affairs at Athens Services. CBS News coverage of CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive. Athens Services was featured on CBS Los Angeles for its participation in the CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive. Watch the full segments below:

Recycling Today
Sep 1st, 2025
Athens Services' Irwindale, California, MRF

In June 2025, Athens Services launched its Irwindale MRF, processing 70 tons per hour.

Athens Services
Jun 30th, 2025
Athens Services Named 2025 Business of the Year

Company is proud to share that Athens Services has been named the 2025 business of the year by the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce.

Greek Travel Pages
May 2nd, 2025
Europe-Africa Summit in Athens to Drive Green Tourism and Investment Opportunities

Athens is set to host the inaugural Europe-Africa Tourism Investment Summit on Monday, May 5, at the Grand Resort Lagonissi, gathering top-level officials, investors, and industry leaders to accelerate green and sustainable tourism development across Africa.