Does Republic Services do background checks?

Yes, Republic Services conducts background checks on all new hires. For CDL driver positions, there is an additional DOT-mandated check. However, a criminal record is not an automatic disqualifier — the company considers the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and job relevance through an individualized assessment.

Can I drive for Republic Services with a felony?

Yes, in many cases. A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you from CDL driving positions at Republic Services. However, you must meet DOT requirements, including a clean driving record. DUI within the past 3-5 years, a suspended CDL, or certain driving-related offenses are disqualifying for driving roles specifically.

Does Republic Services drug test?

Yes. All Republic Services employees are subject to pre-employment drug screening. CDL drivers are subject to DOT-mandated drug and alcohol testing, including random testing throughout employment. Non-CDL positions typically only have a pre-employment drug test.

How far back does Republic Services background check go?

The standard background check typically goes back 7 years, though this varies by state law. Some states limit employment background checks to 7 years by law. DOT driving checks may cover a longer period for driving history specifically.

Is Republic Services better than Waste Management for people with records?

Both companies are among the most felon-friendly large employers in the country. They operate in the same industry and face similar labor challenges. The best approach is to apply to both Republic Services and Waste Management, as well as any local waste haulers in your area. Whichever has openings and responds first is likely your best opportunity.

Can I get CDL training through Republic Services?

Some Republic Services locations offer CDL training programs or assistance for employees who want to become drivers. A common path is to start as a helper, demonstrate reliability and good attendance, and then transition into CDL training. Contact the specific facility you are interested in to ask about their training programs.

Does Republic Services Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-03-24

Yes

Republic Services is widely regarded as one of the most felon-friendly large employers, similar to Waste Management, with strong demand for drivers and laborers and a practical approach to hiring people with records.

Yes, Republic Services actively hires people with felony records and is considered one of the best large employers for people with criminal backgrounds, alongside Waste Management in the waste and recycling industry. As the second-largest waste disposal and recycling company in the United States with approximately 40,000 employees, Republic Services has constant demand for CDL drivers, helpers, laborers, and equipment operators. The company conducts background checks but uses an individualized assessment process that considers the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and job relevance. The physically demanding nature of waste collection and disposal work creates persistent labor needs, and Republic Services has built a reputation in reentry communities as an employer that genuinely gives people a second chance. CDL driving positions require meeting DOT regulations, but even drivers with older felony convictions have been hired. Helper, laborer, and equipment operator roles are the most accessible entry points.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Residential Driver (CDL)	Yes	Yes — DOT background check plus company check	Must meet DOT requirements; clean driving record required; felony convictions not automatically disqualifying
Helper / Laborer	Yes	Yes — standard background check	Most accessible role; riding on the back of collection trucks; high demand and frequent openings
Recycling Sorter	Yes	Yes — standard background check	Sorting recyclable materials at processing facilities; entry-level position with minimal background barriers
Heavy Equipment Operator	Yes	Yes — standard background check	Operating bulldozers, compactors, and other equipment at landfills and transfer stations
Diesel Mechanic / Technician	Yes	Yes — standard background check	Maintaining and repairing collection trucks and heavy equipment; technical skills are the primary qualifier
Roll-Off / Commercial Driver (CDL)	Yes	Yes — DOT background check plus company check	Driving roll-off trucks for commercial waste containers; same DOT requirements as residential drivers
Route Supervisor / Operations Manager	Case-by-case	Yes — enhanced background check	Management roles have somewhat more scrutiny but many supervisors were promoted from driver or laborer positions

Why Republic Services Is Felon-Friendly

Republic Services is the second-largest waste and recycling company in the United States, operating in 41 states and serving 14 million customers. Like its primary competitor Waste Management, Republic Services faces persistent labor challenges due to the physically demanding nature of the work — early morning starts, heavy lifting, outdoor work in all weather conditions, and the inherent unpleasantness of waste collection. This labor market reality has made the entire waste industry one of the most accessible employment sectors for people with criminal records. Republic Services has developed a practical, results-oriented hiring culture that focuses on whether someone can do the job and will show up reliably, rather than on their past. Many Republic Services employees have criminal records, and the company has become a well-known option in reentry communities. The company's constant need for workers, combined with competitive pay and benefits, makes it one of the best opportunities available for people rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

Background Check Process

Republic Services conducts background checks on all new hires, but the process is designed to be fair and focused on job relevance. The company uses an individualized assessment that considers the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has passed since the conviction or completion of the sentence, and the nature of the job being sought. For CDL driver positions, there is an additional DOT-mandated background check that includes a review of driving history, a drug and alcohol testing history check through the FMCSA Clearinghouse, and a physical examination. Under DOT regulations, certain driving-specific offenses like DUI within the past 3 years or a suspended CDL can be disqualifying for driving roles, but not for other positions within the company. For non-driving roles like helpers, sorters, and equipment operators, the background check is more straightforward. The check typically goes back 7 years for most positions, though state laws may limit the lookback period.

CDL Driving Careers at Republic Services

CDL driving positions at Republic Services are among the most valuable career opportunities available to people with criminal records. Experienced waste collection drivers can earn $50,000-$80,000+ per year, with some markets paying even more. Republic Services operates residential collection trucks (automated side-loaders and rear-loaders), commercial front-load trucks, and roll-off trucks for construction and industrial containers. To qualify for a driving position, you need a valid Class B CDL (Class A for some positions), a driving record that meets DOT standards, and the ability to pass a DOT physical and drug screen. A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you from driving, as long as it is not a driving-related offense within the restricted period. Republic Services offers CDL training at some locations, and many employees start as helpers before transitioning to driving roles as they gain experience and obtain their CDL.

Pay and Benefits

Republic Services offers competitive compensation that reflects the demanding nature of the work. Helpers and laborers typically start at $15-$20 per hour depending on the market. CDL drivers start at $20-$30+ per hour, with overtime frequently available. Heavy equipment operators earn $18-$28 per hour. Diesel mechanics earn $22-$35 per hour. Full-time employees receive comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, life insurance, and short-term and long-term disability coverage. Republic Services also offers employee assistance programs, tuition reimbursement, and CDL training assistance at select locations. The combination of good pay, full benefits, and career advancement opportunities makes Republic Services a genuinely good employer, not just a fallback option for people with records.

How to Apply

Republic Services posts all positions on their careers website at republicservices.com/careers. You can search by location, job category, and keyword. The application is completed online and does not ask about criminal history upfront — Republic Services follows Ban the Box practices. The background check comes after a conditional offer of employment. You can also apply in person at local Republic Services facilities and hauling yards. Showing up early in the morning when trucks are departing (around 5-6 AM) and asking to speak with the operations manager is a proven approach in the waste industry. Many local operations managers have the authority to fast-track candidates who are ready and willing to work. Check with local workforce development agencies and reentry programs, as many have established relationships with waste haulers including Republic Services.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply for helper/laborer positions first if you have a recent felony — these are the easiest to get and let you prove yourself before moving to driver or operator roles
2.If you have a CDL or are interested in getting one, mention it on your application — CDL drivers are always in demand and earn significantly more
3.Show up in person at local Republic Services hauling yards early in the morning (5-6 AM) to demonstrate your seriousness and readiness to work
4.Apply at multiple Republic Services locations in your area — each facility has its own hiring needs and different openings
5.Be honest about your record when asked — Republic Services hiring managers are experienced with second-chance hiring and value reliability and honesty
6.Highlight any experience with physical labor, CDL driving, heavy equipment operation, or mechanical work
7.If you are on probation or parole, let your PO know you are applying — Republic Services is a well-known reentry employer

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Republic Services hire felons?: Yes. Republic Services is widely recognized as one of the most felon-friendly large employers in the country, similar to Waste Management. They conduct background checks but use individualized assessment, and many people with felony records are hired for helper, driver, operator, and mechanic positions.
Does Republic Services do background checks?: Yes, Republic Services conducts background checks on all new hires. For CDL driver positions, there is an additional DOT-mandated check. However, a criminal record is not an automatic disqualifier — the company considers the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and job relevance through an individualized assessment.
Can I drive for Republic Services with a felony?: Yes, in many cases. A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you from CDL driving positions at Republic Services. However, you must meet DOT requirements, including a clean driving record. DUI within the past 3-5 years, a suspended CDL, or certain driving-related offenses are disqualifying for driving roles specifically.
Does Republic Services drug test?: Yes. All Republic Services employees are subject to pre-employment drug screening. CDL drivers are subject to DOT-mandated drug and alcohol testing, including random testing throughout employment. Non-CDL positions typically only have a pre-employment drug test.
How much does Republic Services pay?: Helpers and laborers start at $15-$20 per hour. CDL drivers start at $20-$30+ per hour. Heavy equipment operators earn $18-$28 per hour. Diesel mechanics earn $22-$35 per hour. Full-time employees receive health insurance, 401(k) with match, paid time off, and other benefits. Overtime is frequently available.
How far back does Republic Services background check go?: The standard background check typically goes back 7 years, though this varies by state law. Some states limit employment background checks to 7 years by law. DOT driving checks may cover a longer period for driving history specifically.
Is Republic Services better than Waste Management for people with records?: Both companies are among the most felon-friendly large employers in the country. They operate in the same industry and face similar labor challenges. The best approach is to apply to both Republic Services and Waste Management, as well as any local waste haulers in your area. Whichever has openings and responds first is likely your best opportunity.
Can I get CDL training through Republic Services?: Some Republic Services locations offer CDL training programs or assistance for employees who want to become drivers. A common path is to start as a helper, demonstrate reliability and good attendance, and then transition into CDL training. Contact the specific facility you are interested in to ask about their training programs.

Take Action — Direct Links

Republic Services Careers
Official job search portal — search openings by location and role type
FMCSA Pre-Employment Screening
Check your DOT driving record before applying for CDL positions
CDL Training Resources
Federal CDL requirements and how to obtain a commercial driver's license
National HIRE Network
Resources for people with criminal records seeking employment, including legal rights information

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Background ChecksHow to check your own record

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).