Hiring in the waste and recycling industry isn’t easy. The work is physically demanding, the conditions can be tough, and turnover can be high, especially for entry-level and general labor roles. At Hauler Hero, we work with haulers across the country and understand the common recruiting challenges they face. The good news? There are proven, practical hiring tactics that help attract and keep the right people. Here are four strategies to help your hauling business build a stronger, more reliable team.
1. Let Candidates Experience the Job First
Not every candidate understands what a day in the life of a waste hauler looks like and that mismatch often leads to early turnover. Give applicants a clear picture of what they’re signing up for with hands-on previews.
Let them lift, load, and simulate some of the physical requirements they’ll face. For example, simulate lifting full bins or walking a route in safety gear. This ensures transparency and helps your team assess whether candidates are a good fit from both a capability and attitude perspective.
Pro tip: If a candidate drops out after the preview, that’s a good thing, it saves you time, reduces training costs, and filters out poor fits before they get on payroll.
2. Customize Your Recruiting Approach
One-size-fits-all recruiting just doesn’t cut it anymore. Different candidates use different platforms, value different things, and have different communication preferences. Build a diverse strategy to reach a wider pool of potential hires.
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Use job boards like Indeed, Craigslist, or local classifieds to attract active job seekers.
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Embrace tech like chatbots or applicant tracking systems to schedule interviews and send real-time updates.
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Get into the community. Build connections with local workforce centers, community colleges, or trade schools to uncover new candidate pipelines.
A blended, adaptable approach that combines tech with human connection will go much further than blasting a job ad and hoping for the best.
3. Embrace Second-Chance Hiring
Looking for loyal, hardworking team members? Consider second-chance hiring. Many individuals with prior convictions are eager for a fresh start and committed to proving themselves. In fact, studies show that second-chance hires can outperform traditional candidates in terms of loyalty, productivity, and long-term retention.
You’ll not only be helping someone rebuild their life, you’ll gain a valuable member of your team and contribute to a stronger community.
4. Speak Their Language, Literally
The waste and recycling workforce is diverse—and your recruiting materials and onboarding process should reflect that. If you want to retain a high-performing team, make communication easy and inclusive.
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Translate job ads, training materials, and applications into multiple languages.
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Hire bilingual supervisors and provide cultural sensitivity training.
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Add thoughtful touches during hiring events, like signage in multiple languages or culturally relevant refreshments.
When employees feel seen, understood, and supported, they stick around and contribute more.
Final Thoughts
At Hauler Hero, we’re not just building better software for waste haulers, we’re also helping companies think smarter about operations and growth. Hiring great people is step one. These tactics can help you attract top talent, reduce churn, and create a team that’s ready to take on the challenges of the industry.
Need tools to manage your workforce better? We’ve got them. From route management to customer support and dispatch, Hauler Hero is the all-in-one platform built for haulers, by haulers.
Let’s grow your business, one hire at a time. ♻️