NWRA Partners with Orion Talent to Close Labor Gap for Veterans

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) has partnered with Orion Talent, the nation’s largest military and industry-experienced recruitment firm, to close the labor shortage in the waste and recycling industry.

“By 2026, the solid waste collection industry will have 14,200 new jobs for collection drivers and riders; 1,900 new jobs for diesel service technicians and mechanics; and 300 new jobs for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers. I am proud that NWRA has partnered with Orion Talent to help us attract veterans to our industry,” said Darrell Smith, NWRA president and CEO, in a statement.

Driving for the waste and recycling industry offers advantages such as rising wages, a five-day work week, set daily work schedules and being able to return home at the end of each day’s shift unlike long-haul drivers. Despite all this, the industry’s companies are increasingly struggling to find enough commercial drivers.

“The waste and recycling industry has experienced a growing labor shortage over the past several years. A tightening labor market with more job openings than potential qualified employees will only exacerbate the situation as demand for these positions grows,” added Smith.

David Coe, senior vice president of Strategic Programs for Orion Talent, agreed that the military talent community can add value to the waste and recycling services industry.

“Military veterans possess many technical, skilled trade, maintenance and of course leadership/team building skills that have been immediately transferable to the waste and recycling industry for many years,” said Coe in a statement. “We are thrilled to be partnered with the NWRA and its member organizations to help connect these great candidates with terrific companies who need quality talent in order to grow.”

Through this partnership, Orion Talent and NWRA will provide direct access to military veteran job seekers for association members, enable member organizations to direct market to the military talent community and leverage accredited training programs that help employers learn best practices for the hiring and retention of veterans.