Quick Answer
Yes, Waste Management hires people with felony convictions in 2025. As a major player in the North American waste and environmental services industry, Waste Management evaluates each applicant based on conviction type, time passed, and job relevance. Entry-level roles such as waste collector, recycling sorter, or equipment operator typically pay $18–$30 per hour, depending on experience and location.
While background checks and drug tests are required, the company focuses on reliability, work ethic, and safety record rather than past mistakes—making it a strong option for people with felonies seeking steady, benefit-rich employment.
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About Waste Management
Waste Management (WM), headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a Fortune 250 company and North America’s largest provider of waste, recycling, and environmental services. The company serves over 20 million customers through thousands of trucks, facilities, and landfills nationwide.WM employs more than 50,000 people across collection, recycling, landfill, maintenance, and customer support divisions.
For applicants with felony records, the company’s focus on labor-based, safety-oriented jobs provides real opportunities. WM follows equal employment and fair-chance hiring laws, meaning applicants are evaluated individually, not automatically rejected due to background.
Does Waste Management Hire People with Felonies?
Yes, Waste Management does hire people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. The company considers the type of conviction, time since offense, and job duties involved.
Non-violent, older, or unrelated convictions often don’t block employment.
Offenses involving theft, fraud, or violence may limit access to cash-handling or driving roles.
Positions like helper, sorter, or technician are the most accessible for applicants with criminal records.
Strong work history, completed rehabilitation programs, and clean records in recent years improve eligibility.Waste Management complies with federal and state fair-chance laws (“Ban the Box”), ensuring applicants have the opportunity to explain their history before being disqualified. Many employees with past records have built long-term careers at WM after proving reliability and commitment.
Available Jobs at Waste Management
Helper/Laborer
($16–$20/hour)
You'll assist drivers, manually collect waste containers, load trucks, and support routes. Very physical work requiring strength and stamina, early morning hours. This is the most accessible position for people with felonies—no CDL required, physical work, proven entry point to the industry.
Residential/Commercial Driver
($20–$28/hour)
You'll drive collection trucks, operate hydraulic systems, collect waste/recycling, and service routes. Requires CDL and reasonable driving record. Felonies don't automatically disqualify you if driving record is acceptable. Excellent pay and benefits.
Equipment Operator
($18–$25/hour)
You'll operate heavy equipment at facilities—loaders, excavators, dozers. Requires equipment operation experience or willingness to train. Good position for people with backgrounds who have heavy equipment skills.
Sorter (Recycling Facilities)
($16–$20/hour)
You'll sort recyclable materials on conveyor lines, remove contaminants, and maintain material quality. Physical, repetitive work in industrial facility. Accessible for people with various backgrounds.
Maintenance Technician
($22–$32/hour)
You'll repair collection trucks and equipment, perform preventive maintenance, and ensure fleet operations. Requires mechanical/technical skills. If you have these skills, backgrounds matter much less—skilled mechanics are extremely valuable.
Transfer Station Attendant
($17–$22/hour)You'll direct traffic at transfer stations, assist customers, maintain facilities, and support operations. Physical work with some public interaction. Accessible for people with backgrounds.
Landfill Operator
($18–$24/hour)You'll operate equipment at landfills, manage waste placement, maintain sites, and ensure regulations. Specialized position requiring training. Good option for people interested in heavy equipment operation.
Best Entry Point
Helper/Laborer positions offer the most accessible entry. No CDL required, physical work focusing on reliability and stamina. Early morning hours (5–6am starts) are hard to fill, making managers flexible about backgrounds. Once employed, moving to driver positions (requiring CDL training) becomes realistic—Waste Management often helps helpers obtain CDLs.
Background Check Process
Waste Management conducts background checks after a conditional offer. Screenings include:
Criminal history review (local, state, and federal)
Driving record check (for driving roles)
Drug testing
Employment verificationThe review focuses on the past 7–10 years, but serious or recent convictions may receive extra scrutiny. Background checks typically take 3–7 business days.If something concerning appears, you’ll have a chance to provide context or documentation showing rehabilitation. WM follows fair-chance regulations and must show that any hiring denial is job-related. Honesty and preparation are key—submit accurate applications and bring proof of rehabilitation if available.
Application Tips
Apply online at careers.wm.com and create a full profile. Complete all details carefully.
Start with entry-level positions such as Helper, Sorter, or Laborer. These roles have flexible standards and frequent openings.
Be truthful about your background. Misrepresentation may result in automatic disqualification.
Highlight reliability and safety awareness. WM values consistent attendance and safe work habits above all else.
Prepare your documents—court records, program completion certificates, and reference letters can strengthen your application.
Study job descriptions carefully to ensure your conviction type doesn’t conflict with duties or required licenses.
Be ready for physical labor—many jobs require lifting up to 50–70 pounds and outdoor work.
Mention related experience in warehousing, driving, or maintenance to boost your chances.
Follow up with HR or local offices if you don’t hear back within two weeks; persistence shows initiative.
Stay positive and patient. Federal and large-company hiring can take time, but persistence often leads to success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Waste Management hire people on probation or parole?
Sometimes, yes. Approval depends on your supervision terms and the position’s safety requirements. Many entry-level plant and helper roles remain available.
How far back does WM check criminal records?
Typically 7 years, though serious offenses may appear beyond that depending on state law.
Does Waste Management require drug testing?
Yes. Pre-employment and random testing are required for all safety-sensitive positions.
Do theft or fraud convictions disqualify applicants?
Only for jobs involving cash or sensitive customer data. Older, unrelated convictions may still be accepted for labor or maintenance positions.
What benefits does WM offer?
Full-time employees receive medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition assistance.
Can I move up once hired?
Yes. Many helpers and sorters are promoted to operators, technicians, or drivers within a few years.
Are violent felonies an automatic disqualifier?
No, but they’re reviewed carefully. Older or non-repeated cases with rehabilitation may still qualify for certain roles.
Similar Felon-Friendly Companies
Republic Services – Waste and recycling company with second-chance hiring.
GFL Environmental – Waste and recycling employer with plant and route roles.
Clean Harbors – Environmental services company hiring for driver and maintenance roles.
Covanta – Waste-to-energy company with operations and technician positions.
Stericycle – Medical waste management firm under Waste Management’s umbrella.
Final Thoughts
Waste Management offers stable, benefit-rich employment with realistic opportunities for people who have felony convictions. While some roles—especially driving and customer-facing positions—require stricter reviews, many plant, helper, and equipment jobs remain accessible. The company values hard work, dependability, and safety over past mistakes.
Take the first step by applying at careers.wm.com and targeting entry-level jobs. Be honest, prepared, and patient—the effort can lead to a long-term, union-supported career with excellent pay and benefits.
Does Waste Management Hire Felons in 2026?
Everything You Need to Know
Last Updated: January 2026
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