Does Waste Connections do background checks?

Yes. Waste Connections runs background checks on new hires, with a look-back employees describe as roughly seven years. Driving roles also require a DOT motor-vehicle record review.

Does Waste Connections drug test?

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

What jobs does Waste Connections hire for?

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

Where does Waste Connections operate?

Waste Connections serves roughly nine million customers across 46 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces and is headquartered in Spring, Texas.

Does Waste Connections Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-07-12

Sometimes

Waste Connections hires some people with records on a case-by-case basis. Background checks typically look back about seven years, and driving roles must also meet federal DOT standards.

Waste Connections does hire some people with felony records, evaluated case-by-case. It is one of North America's largest solid-waste and recycling companies, serving roughly nine million residential, commercial, and industrial customers across 46 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces, with about $8.9 billion in revenue and headquarters in Spring, Texas. The company runs collection, transfer, disposal, and recycling operations, so it constantly hires drivers, helpers (loaders), sorters, mechanics, and site labor. Waste Connections conducts background checks — employees report a look-back of roughly seven years — and weighs the nature of the offense against the job. Some applicants report being hired with non-violent felonies such as theft, while violent or very recent offenses are harder. CDL driving roles are governed by federal DOT rules and require a clean driving record, so a non-driving helper or sorter position is often the most realistic entry point. The company also runs driver-training schools that can move helpers into CDL roles over time.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Helper / Loader (Trash Collection)	Case-by-case	Yes — roughly 7-year look-back	Physical, no CDL required. Often the most accessible 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. Driver-training school can be a path up.
Diesel Mechanic / Technician	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	Skilled trade. Strong demand; certifications help.
Site / Landfill Operations	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	Equipment operation and site labor at transfer stations and landfills.

Waste Connections Hiring Practices

Waste Connections is an integrated solid-waste and recycling company serving about nine million customers across 46 states and six Canadian provinces. Its collection, transfer, disposal, and recycling operations create steady demand for helpers, sorters, drivers, mechanics, and site labor. The company conducts background checks on new hires — employees commonly describe a look-back of about seven years — and reviews records against the specific role rather than applying a blanket ban. Reports from applicants are mixed: some were hired with non-violent felonies like theft, while others found violent or recent offenses were disqualifying. Because the essential-service nature of the work and a tight labor market keep positions open, non-driving roles such as helper (loader) and recycling sorter tend to be the most attainable for people with records. CDL driving jobs face an added layer: federal DOT standards and a clean motor-vehicle record.

Tips for Getting Hired

Apply through the Waste Connections careers portal and start with helper (loader) or recycling sorter roles, which do not require a CDL and are the most accessible. Be upfront about your record — the company evaluates case-by-case, and honesty about an older, non-violent offense reads better than a surprise on the background check. Emphasize reliability, physical readiness, and a willingness to work early hours, weekends, and outdoors in all weather. If your goal is driving, ask about the company's driver-training schools, which can move dependable helpers into CDL positions over time. Keep your driving record as clean as possible, since DOT rules govern all commercial driving roles. Applying at more than one local facility can help, as hiring decisions are made at the site level.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply through the Waste Connections 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 in all weather.
4.Ask about driver-training schools if you want to move into a CDL route driver role later.
5.Keep your motor-vehicle record clean — DOT standards govern all commercial driving positions.
6.Apply at more than one local facility, since hiring decisions are made at the site level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Waste Connections hire felons?: Waste Connections does hire some people with felony records, decided case-by-case. Applicants report being hired with non-violent felonies such as theft, while violent or very recent offenses are harder.
Does Waste Connections do background checks?: Yes. Waste Connections runs background checks on new hires, with a look-back employees describe as roughly seven years. Driving roles also require a DOT motor-vehicle record review.
Does Waste Connections drug test?: Yes. Waste Connections conducts drug screening, and safety-sensitive CDL driving positions are subject to federal DOT drug and alcohol testing rules.
What jobs does Waste Connections hire for?: Common roles include helper (loader), recycling sorter, CDL route driver, diesel mechanic, and landfill or transfer-station operations. Non-driving roles are often the most accessible entry point.
Where does Waste Connections operate?: Waste Connections serves roughly nine million customers across 46 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces and is headquartered in Spring, Texas.

Take Action — Direct Links

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

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Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go?
Criminal LawDrug Charges Lawyer

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).