Does Clean Harbors Hire Felons?

Hiring by Position

Why Clean Harbors Hires People with Records

Clean Harbors provides essential environmental and industrial services that most people never think about — cleaning up hazardous waste spills, decontaminating industrial facilities, managing waste disposal at refineries and chemical plants, and responding to environmental emergencies. This work is inherently demanding: it often involves handling hazardous materials, wearing protective equipment in hot environments, working irregular hours, traveling extensively, and performing physically strenuous tasks. These conditions create persistent labor shortages, which means Clean Harbors is consistently looking for workers who are willing and able to do difficult jobs. People with criminal records who demonstrate reliability and willingness to work hard can find genuine career opportunities at Clean Harbors. The company has field operations across the United States and is frequently hiring. While Clean Harbors does not specifically brand itself as a second-chance employer, the practical reality of the labor market for environmental services work means that many employees have criminal histories.

Background Check Process

Clean Harbors conducts background checks on all new hires after a conditional offer of employment. The standard check includes a criminal history search, Social Security number trace, and identity verification. For CDL driver positions, an additional DOT-mandated background check is required, including driving history review, FMCSA Clearinghouse query, and drug/alcohol testing. For positions involving HAZMAT handling, additional screening may be required depending on the job site — work at government facilities, military installations, or Department of Energy sites may require security clearance or additional background investigation. The company uses individualized assessment for standard positions, considering the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and job relevance. If Clean Harbors is considering rescinding an offer based on background check results, you will receive a pre-adverse action notice under the FCRA with an opportunity to respond.

CDL and HAZMAT Opportunities

CDL driving positions at Clean Harbors are among the most in-demand roles in the company and offer excellent earning potential. Drivers transport hazardous and non-hazardous waste between customer sites, Clean Harbors facilities, and disposal locations. A CDL with a HAZMAT endorsement (requiring a TSA background check) significantly increases your value and earning potential. The TSA HAZMAT background check is separate from the standard employment background check and goes back further — certain felony convictions within the past 7 years involving transportation security threats, explosives, or terrorism-related offenses can disqualify you from the HAZMAT endorsement. However, most common felonies (drug offenses, theft, assault) do not disqualify you from HAZMAT. If you can obtain a CDL with HAZMAT endorsement, Clean Harbors and other environmental services companies will actively recruit you. Clean Harbors also offers CDL training and tuition reimbursement at some locations.

Pay and Benefits

Clean Harbors offers competitive pay that reflects the demanding and sometimes hazardous nature of the work. Environmental field technicians typically start at $17-$23 per hour depending on location and experience. CDL drivers earn $22-$35 per hour, with HAZMAT-endorsed drivers at the higher end. HAZMAT technicians earn $20-$30 per hour. Diesel mechanics earn $24-$36 per hour. Per diem pay is available for work requiring travel, which can significantly increase total compensation. Overtime is frequently available, especially during emergency response deployments. Full-time employees receive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, life insurance, and an employee assistance program. Clean Harbors also provides all necessary safety training, certifications (including HAZWOPER), and personal protective equipment at no cost to employees.

How to Apply

Clean Harbors posts all positions on their careers website at careers.cleanharbors.com. You can search by location, job type, and keyword. The application is completed online. Clean Harbors has operations in most states and field offices in major metropolitan areas, so there are likely positions available near you. The company also recruits at job fairs, through workforce development agencies, and through CDL training schools. If you have or can obtain a CDL, especially with HAZMAT endorsement, make that the focus of your application. For entry-level field technician positions, emphasize your physical fitness, willingness to travel, flexibility on hours, and any relevant experience with industrial work, construction, or manual labor. Be prepared for a physical demands assessment as part of the hiring process for many field positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Clean Harbors hire felons?

Clean Harbors does hire people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. Field technician, industrial cleaning, and CDL driver positions are the most accessible. The company uses individualized assessment and does not automatically disqualify applicants based on criminal records. The persistent labor demand in environmental services works in favor of applicants with records.

Does Clean Harbors do background checks?

Yes, Clean Harbors conducts background checks after a conditional offer. CDL positions have additional DOT-mandated checks. HAZMAT positions may require TSA screening for the endorsement. Standard positions use individualized assessment. A criminal record is not an automatic disqualifier for most roles.

Can I get a HAZMAT endorsement with a felony?

In most cases, yes. The TSA HAZMAT background check looks at specific disqualifying offenses, primarily related to terrorism, explosives, and transportation security threats. Most common felonies — drug offenses, theft, assault, burglary — do not disqualify you from a HAZMAT endorsement. The TSA check covers a 7-year period for most disqualifying offenses.

Does Clean Harbors drug test?

Yes. All Clean Harbors employees are subject to pre-employment drug screening. CDL drivers are subject to DOT-mandated drug and alcohol testing, including random testing. Given the hazardous nature of much of the work, Clean Harbors maintains strict drug and alcohol policies for safety reasons.

How much does Clean Harbors pay?

Field technicians start at $17-$23 per hour. CDL drivers earn $22-$35 per hour. HAZMAT technicians earn $20-$30 per hour. Diesel mechanics earn $24-$36 per hour. Per diem pay is available for travel assignments. Overtime is frequent. Benefits include health insurance, 401(k) with match, and paid training.

Is Clean Harbors work dangerous?

Some Clean Harbors work involves handling hazardous materials and working in potentially dangerous environments. The company provides extensive safety training, certifications, and personal protective equipment. All employees receive OSHA safety training, and HAZMAT workers receive HAZWOPER certification. Safety is taken very seriously, and following safety protocols is a non-negotiable requirement.

Does Clean Harbors require travel?

Many Clean Harbors field positions require travel, sometimes for extended periods. Emergency response teams may deploy on short notice. Per diem pay is provided for travel assignments. If you prefer a more stable location, look for positions at Clean Harbors fixed facilities like waste processing plants and recycling centers.

How far back does Clean Harbors background check go?

The standard employment background check typically covers 7 years. DOT driving history checks may cover longer periods. The TSA HAZMAT endorsement background check covers specific disqualifying offenses over a 7-year period. State laws limiting lookback periods are respected.