Does GFL Environmental do background checks?

Yes. GFL runs a background check as part of a job offer. Applicants report standard pre-employment criminal screening, and driving roles also involve a DOT motor-vehicle record review.

Does GFL Environmental drug test?

Yes. GFL conducts drug screening, and safety-sensitive CDL driving positions are subject to federal DOT drug and alcohol testing rules.

What jobs does GFL Environmental hire for?

Common roles include helper (loader), recycling sorter, CDL route driver, diesel mechanic, and facility or site operations. Non-driving roles are often the most accessible entry point.

Where does GFL Environmental operate?

GFL operates across Canada and 18 U.S. states with more than 17,000 employees and over 10,000 vehicles. It is headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario.

Does GFL Environmental Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-07-12

Sometimes

GFL Environmental hires some people with records on a case-by-case basis. It runs a background check on new hires, and CDL driving roles must also meet federal DOT standards.

GFL Environmental does hire some people with felony records, decided case-by-case. Known as 'Team Green,' GFL is one of North America's largest diversified environmental-services companies, with more than 17,000 employees and a fleet of over 10,000 vehicles across Canada and 18 U.S. states. It handles solid-waste collection, recycling, soil remediation, and liquid-waste services, which keeps it hiring drivers, helpers (loaders), sorters, mechanics, and site labor. GFL runs a background check on new hires as part of a job offer, and applicants report standard criminal screening. The company reviews the nature and recency of an offense against the specific role rather than applying a blanket ban. Non-driving roles like helper and recycling sorter are usually the most accessible entry points. CDL route-driver positions require a clean motor-vehicle record and must satisfy federal DOT rules, so they are harder for people with certain histories. GFL uses a Workday-based careers portal for applications.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Helper / Loader (Collection)	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	No CDL required. Physical, early hours. Common entry point.
Recycling Sorter / Plant Labor	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	Facility-based sorting and processing. Entry-level.
CDL Route Driver	Harder — DOT rules apply	Yes — plus DOT driving record and drug test	Requires clean MVR and CDL. Safety-sensitive role.
Diesel Mechanic / Technician	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	Skilled trade with strong demand. Certifications help.
Site / Facility Operations	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	Equipment operation and labor at transfer stations and facilities.

GFL Environmental Hiring Practices

GFL Environmental — branded 'Team Green' — is one of North America's largest diversified environmental-services companies, with more than 17,000 employees and a fleet of over 10,000 vehicles operating across Canada and 18 U.S. states. Its solid-waste, recycling, soil-remediation, and liquid-waste operations create steady demand for helpers, sorters, drivers, mechanics, and facility labor. GFL runs a background check as part of a job offer; applicants describe standard pre-employment criminal screening. The company does not publish a blanket ban, and its practice is individualized — weighing the nature and recency of an offense against the specific job. Non-driving roles such as helper (loader) and recycling sorter tend to be the most attainable for people with records. CDL driving positions carry an added layer: federal DOT standards, a drug test, and a clean motor-vehicle record, which makes them harder for applicants with certain driving or drug-related histories.

Tips for Getting Hired

Apply through GFL's Workday-based careers portal and start with helper (loader) or recycling sorter openings, which do not require a CDL and are the most accessible. Be upfront about your record — GFL evaluates case-by-case, and honesty about an older, non-violent offense reads far better than a surprise on the background check. Emphasize reliability, physical readiness, and comfort with early starts, weekends, and outdoor work in all conditions. If you want to drive, ask about paths from helper to CDL and keep your motor-vehicle record clean, since DOT rules govern all commercial driving roles. Because GFL is growing and hiring across many local sites, applying to more than one nearby facility can improve your odds, as staffing decisions are typically made at the site level.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply through GFL's Workday careers portal and start with helper (loader) or sorter roles that don't need a CDL.
2.Be honest about your record — hiring is case-by-case and a surprise on the background check hurts most.
3.Highlight reliability and physical readiness; the work is early, physical, and outdoors year-round.
4.Ask about moving from helper to a CDL driving role, and keep your motor-vehicle record clean for DOT rules.
5.Older, non-violent offenses are viewed more favorably than recent or violent ones.
6.Apply to more than one local GFL facility, since staffing decisions are made at the site level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does GFL Environmental hire felons?: GFL Environmental does hire some people with felony records, decided case-by-case. It weighs the nature and recency of an offense against the specific role rather than applying a blanket ban.
Does GFL Environmental do background checks?: Yes. GFL runs a background check as part of a job offer. Applicants report standard pre-employment criminal screening, and driving roles also involve a DOT motor-vehicle record review.
Does GFL Environmental drug test?: Yes. GFL conducts drug screening, and safety-sensitive CDL driving positions are subject to federal DOT drug and alcohol testing rules.
What jobs does GFL Environmental hire for?: Common roles include helper (loader), recycling sorter, CDL route driver, diesel mechanic, and facility or site operations. Non-driving roles are often the most accessible entry point.
Where does GFL Environmental operate?: GFL operates across Canada and 18 U.S. states with more than 17,000 employees and over 10,000 vehicles. It is headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario.

Take Action — Direct Links

GFL Environmental Careers
Search and apply for driver, helper, sorter, and mechanic roles at GFL.
National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Company hiring policies change frequently and may vary by location, franchise, or position. Always confirm the current policy with the hiring manager or HR representative. A background check does not automatically disqualify you — you have rights under the EEOC guidelines and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).