Waste Management Inc. (WM) is North America’s leading provider of comprehensive waste and environmental services. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company has over 49,000 employees and operates across the U.S. and Canada.
From hauling trash and recycling to handling hazardous waste and energy recovery, WM is a massive player in the waste disposal and environmental sustainability space. With such a large and diverse workforce, it’s no surprise that people with past convictions want to know if WM is open to second chances.
Does Waste Management Hire Felons in 2025?
Yes, Waste Management can hire felons—but it’s not guaranteed.
Waste Management does not have a blanket ban on hiring individuals with felony records. In fact, many people with criminal backgrounds have successfully been employed at WM in a variety of roles—from truck drivers to general laborers and even some administrative positions.
However, their hiring decisions depend heavily on:
- The type of felony and its severity
- How recent the offense was
- The specific role applied for
- The individual’s rehabilitation efforts and job readiness
- State laws and regulations related to employment of felons
Official Statement and Company Hiring Policy
Waste Management hasn’t publicly released a clear-cut felon hiring policy. However, multiple job applicants and former employees have shared similar experiences online. Here’s what we found:
“Waste Management considers each applicant individually. A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you from employment. We conduct thorough background checks to ensure the safety of our employees, customers, and the public.”
— Waste Management HR representative (via Glassdoor Q&A)
Waste Management promotes equal opportunity employment, meaning they don’t discriminate based on race, gender, or past convictions—unless the conviction is directly related to the job’s responsibilities.
What Kind of Felonies May Disqualify You?
While every case is considered individually, there are certain types of convictions that may reduce your chances of getting hired at WM, especially for roles involving trust, driving, or safety risks.
Here are 6 felony types that may raise red flags:
- Violent crimes — Assault, armed robbery, or murder
- Sexual offenses — Especially involving minors or public exposure
- Theft or fraud — May disqualify for positions involving equipment or handling money
- Drug trafficking — Particularly recent or large-scale offenses
- DUIs — Especially for driver positions if they are recent or repeat offenses
- Property damage or arson
What Jobs at Waste Management May Be Available for Felons?
Waste Management hires for hundreds of roles, and many entry-level jobs do not require advanced degrees or clean records. Here are roles that felons have reportedly secured:
Common Jobs for Felons at Waste Management:
- Garbage truck helper
Physical, outdoor labor. No driving required. - Landfill technician
On-site roles assisting with operations and safety. - Sort line worker (recycling center)
Sorting recyclable materials in warehouses. - Maintenance laborer
General upkeep of facilities and equipment. - Janitorial staff
Cleaning offices and facilities.
In contrast, roles that involve financial handling, commercial driving (CDL), or customer service may have stricter background requirements.
Does Waste Management Do Background Checks?
Yes, Waste Management performs background checks.
According to dozens of applicant reports, the company runs pre-employment background checks that typically go back 7 years, though this varies by state.
Background Check Includes:
- Criminal history
- Employment history
- Education verificationDriving records (for driving positions)
- Drug screening
If you’re applying for a CDL driver job, expect a DOT-regulated drug test and driving record review. Always disclose your record truthfully. Lying on your application can lead to automatic disqualification.
Is Waste Management a Second Chance Employer?
Yes, WM can be considered a “second chance” employer. The company has hired ex-felons and participates in Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) practices.
However, they are not officially listed on the Ban the Box or Fair Chance Business Pledge sites, which are formal programs encouraging employers to consider qualified candidates regardless of criminal history.
Still, many former inmates have shared success stories, particularly when:
- They’ve completed rehabilitation programs
- Received references or certifications
- Applied for entry-level, non-sensitive jobs
Tips for Felons Applying to Waste Management
Want to boost your chances of getting hired at WM? Here are 8 actionable tips:
- Be honest about your past
Transparency goes a long way in building trust with HR. - Apply for entry-level roles
Start small. Once you’re in, you can work your way up. - Gather strong references
Get letters from parole officers, pastors, or job trainers. - Get job training
Programs like Goodwill, The Doe Fund, and Clean Slate help with skills and resume building. - Mention rehabilitation programs
Show that you’ve taken active steps to improve your life. - Be ready to explain your story
Prepare a short, honest explanation of your conviction, what you’ve learned, and why you’re ready to work. - Check local state laws
Some states have laws limiting how far back employers can check. - Don’t give up if you get rejected
Reapply after 6-12 months or try another role.
Other Waste Management Companies That Hire Felons
If WM doesn’t work out for you, don’t sweat it. Plenty of other waste and recycling companies have hired felons. Here are some options:
| Company Name | Felon-Friendly? | Notes |
| Republic Services | ✅ Yes | Similar background policies to WM |
| Casella Waste Systems | ✅ Sometimes | Case-by-case basis, especially for labor roles |
| GFL Environmental | ✅ Yes | Offers roles in collection, landfill, and recycling |
| Waste Pro USA | ✅ Yes | Reported to hire with non-violent records |
| Stericycle | ✅ Limited | Might require clean background for medical waste roles |
Legal Rights and Support
If you believe you’ve been discriminated against due to a past conviction, you may have legal recourse. Here are resources:
- EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission):
https://www.eeoc.gov/ - National HIRE Network:
https://hirenetwork.org/ - Ban the Box Movement:
Advocates for removing conviction checkboxes on job applications. - Legal Aid Services:
Search your local legal aid office for help sealing or expunging records.
Latest News: Does Sam’s Club Hire Felons?
Final Thoughts
Absolutely. Waste Management has a solid track record of offering jobs to individuals looking for a second shot. While not every case will be accepted, your determination, honesty, and preparation can tip the scales in your favor.
So, if you’re rebuilding your life after incarceration, don’t count yourself out. The waste management industry needs reliable, hardworking people—and your past doesn’t have to define your future.
FAQs
Does Waste Management hire people with violent felonies?
It depends on how recent the offense was and the nature of the role. Non-violent and older convictions have a better chance.
Do I need a clean driving record to work at WM?
Only for driving roles. Non-driver roles don’t typically check driving history.
Can I apply again if I was rejected once?
Yes, reapply in 6–12 months or for a different position.
Is WM on the Ban the Box list?
Not officially, but they consider all applicants individually.
