Solid Waste Program Manager

Career Guide

A Solid Waste Program Manager plans and runs waste and recycling programs for a city, county, campus, or private organization. The role focuses on reliable collection services, higher recycling rates, lower costs, regulatory compliance, and community satisfaction.

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Key Responsibilities

Design and improve waste collection and recycling programs
Manage contracts with hauling and disposal vendors
Build budgets, track spending, and identify cost savings
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal waste rules
Set program goals and measure performance using clear metrics
Lead procurement activities such as bid documents and vendor selection
Coordinate operations with public works, facilities, and customer service teams
Plan public education and outreach campaigns to increase participation
Oversee special waste streams such as organics, bulky items, and household hazardous waste
Investigate service issues and lead corrective actions
Develop long term plans for diversion, landfill reduction, and sustainability goals
Support audits and inspections and maintain required records
Manage staff, training, and workplace safety practices
Collaborate with community groups, businesses, and elected leaders

Top Skills for Success

Program Management

Project Planning

Stakeholder Management

Vendor Management

Budget Management

Contract Management

Public Communication

Data Analysis

Performance Measurement

Regulatory Compliance

Solid Waste Operations

Recycling Program Design

Organics Program Management

Procurement

Risk Management

Safety Management

Customer Service Management

Change Management

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Sustainability Manager Environmental Services Director

Public Works Manager

Sanitation Operations Manager

Recycling and Diversion Manager

Resource Recovery Manager

Transition Opportunities

Climate Program Manager

Environmental Compliance Manager Facilities Operations Manager Procurement Manager ESG Program Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Contract NegotiationCost ModelingRoute OptimizationContamination Reduction StrategyCommunity Outreach PlanningGrant WritingCapital PlanningFacility Operations KnowledgeIncident InvestigationPolicy Writing

Development SuggestionsBuild strength through a mix of formal training and hands on projects. Volunteer to lead a contract renewal, create a simple cost model for a program change, partner with operations on a route review, and develop a short outreach plan with measurable targets. Seek a mentor in procurement or public works leadership and document outcomes for your portfolio.

Market Intelligence Report

Solid Waste Program Manager is part of the Program Management category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$65,000 to $85,000

Mid Level$85,000 to $115,000

Senior Level$115,000 to $155,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand. Hiring is supported by landfill capacity limits, recycling policy changes, climate and zero waste goals, and the need to modernize collection contracts and infrastructure.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

City and County Public Works DepartmentsRegional Solid Waste AuthoritiesWaste ManagementRepublic ServicesWaste ConnectionsGFL EnvironmentalClean HarborsCasella Waste SystemsRecologyRumpke Waste and Recycling

Industry Sectors

Local GovernmentEnvironmental ServicesWaste CollectionRecycling and Materials RecoveryLandfill and Transfer Station OperationsHigher EducationHealthcare SystemsManufacturingProperty Management

Recommended Next Steps

Review local and state solid waste regulations that apply to your area

Build a one page program dashboard using a few key metrics such as diversion rate and contamination rate

Shadow collection and facility operations for a full day to understand constraints and safety risks

Draft a vendor scorecard to standardize performance reviews

Take training in contract management and negotiation

Join a professional association focused on waste and recycling to build a peer network

Prepare a portfolio of two to three program improvements with results, costs, and lessons learned