Careers & Benefits
Join New Zealand’s Leading Waste Disposal Experts Now!
We’re searching for dedicated individuals who share our passion for preserving New Zealand’s pristine beauty. If you’re driven to keep our nation clean and pure, join our mission. Explore our available positions now.Rubbish Direct
Are you passionate about doing the right thing?
We are New Zealand’s leading waste disposal experts since 1999. We are 100% New Zealand owned & operated. Our clients include Auckland War Memorial Museum, Fullers, Les Mills and some other major companies.
Rubbish Direct was growing fast and now we have 100+ employees locals, supporting New Zealand’s economy.
Employee Benefits
FREE Hot Meals
Long Service Bonus
Health Insurance
Staff Welfare Scheme
Annual Profit Share
Staff Dinner
We're Hiring!
We are passionate about what we do, and we take pride in our work.
We value innovation and constantly strive to develop better ways of helping our clients.
Sounds like your kind of place to work?
We have a great value proposition to offer you. If you’re interested in joining our team, please check out our current job vacancies and apply now.
GET PAID TO KEEP FIT!
Peace of mind with job security and a stable employer with family values.
If you have the right to work in New Zealand, a Class 2 truck licence, know what work ethic and values are, and believe that the harder you work the luckier you get then read on.
We have opportunities for people who want to keep fit, or even people who want to get fit, to join our team collecting recycling and rubbish in the Auckland region.
So how does this work?
Working for Rubbish Direct, helping us deliver what our customers pay us for:
- Clean & Tidy Rubbish Rooms, On Time, Every Time.
- We don’t sit in a truck all day operating a side arm or a set of forks on top of the truck, we get out of the cab at each and every customer, we go and get their bins, bring them to the truck, empty them and then take them back.
- On drivers walk on average 10,000 steps per day, pulling full bins and returning empty ones, this amount of physical and aerobic activity will ensure your fitness level is tip top!
Still there? Still interested?
Are you an early bird? As they say the early bird gets the worm!
- Well, working for the Rubbish Direct team means you will be up before the birds and home before the school kids.
- We start early, between 2.30 and 3.30am and your day will be about 10 hours long, a bit less once you get the hang of it and move a bit quicker.
- As our customers need us 365 days per year, we work 365 days per year, of course we do not expect you to work 7 days a week, but to start with you will need to be able to work weekends and have your days off during the week.
- In days gone by values, morals, work ethic – call it what you want, meant something.
- We are on the search for the needles in the haystack. Those of us who were raised to respect others and those of us who believe that that the harder we work the luckier we get.
So who are we?
We are Rubbish Direct!
Rubbish Direct is an Auckland based collector of rubbish and recycling that started out in 1999 with 1 truck, 1 person and 20 bins, we now have over 50 trucks, more than 100 staff and thousands of bins, so the growth says it all, we are providing a service the market wants and we do it quite simply by putting our customer’s requirements at the centre of everything we do.
What do we stand for?
Our belief is that if you stand for nothing you will fall for anything.
Values help us make decisions, they are our moral compass if you like, our values are written to be understood in plain language and to be lived by everyone of us.
- Our customers depend on us, don’t let them down – they pay the wages.
- Do it properly or don’t do it at all – there is no traffic on the extra mile.
- Be safe – look after yourself and watch out for everyone else.
- We find solutions, not problems – attitude is everything.
- Everyone is in the marketing department.
As you can see, even I am in the marketing department 🙂
We are passionate about what we do, and we take pride in our work.
We believe our business is as good as our people, so we bend over backwards for our people, to us that looks like this:
- Hot food / meals available for all staff, every day from 10.30 to 3pm.
- A $5,000 long service bonus every 5 years.
- An equal share in the profit pool for everyone who contributed for the year.
- Southern Cross healthcare after 6 months.
- Staff welfare scheme to help out with emergency expenses.
SHOW ME THE MONEY!
OK, so how do we pay our drivers?
Well, we also believe that the harder you work the luckier you get, so we pay our drivers a daily rate, that way those who work faster and think more get rewarded more.
For example, we design our runs so they can be completed by an “average” driver in 10 hours, some of our drivers will do their day in 8 or 8.5 hours, so they get the benefit of being quicker. Gone are the days when a slow driver gets paid more for being slow on a hourly rate!
We like skin in the game, ours and yours, ours comes from the 3-5 weeks training we have to invest in you, yours comes from starting on $300 a day and then once you have learnt your run and get the hang of it this will increase to $320 / day. Currently our top drivers are on over $350 / day.
If you think you fit the bill,
We would love to have a conversation with you about potentially joining our team. Please click ‘Apply Now!‘ and proceed with your job application.
Click to Apply Now! >>
Our current opportunities
1. Logistics Manager
Job Role: To allocate our resources (drivers, trucks, bins etc.) to satisfy the demand from our customers for our services
Job Type: Full-time, Work days will include Saturday and Sunday with start time expected 5.30am – 6:00am
Requirements:
- Must have class 2 license and able to drive manual and automatic trucks
- Applicants must provide a cover letter and CV
Brief Job Description
- Roster our drivers and trucks to runs – includes planning to ensure adequate cover is available in case of emergencies.
- Allocate jobs to operations to depot runs at least 24 hours in advance
- Add new customers to runs and schedule collections
- To ensure we have enough drivers to cover all our runs.
- All our runs are completed every day in a timely manner.
- To ensure systems and processes in use are fit for purpose.
- Ascertain current operational efficiency, develop and deliver on a plan for improvement.
- Analyse and develop the capabilities / engagement / performance of your people
- Develop and implement strategies to deliver improvements in efficiency and / or customer experience.
Click to Apply Now! >>
2. Operations Manager
Job Role: To lead and manage Rubbish Directs teams (depot / logistics / workshop) responsible for delivery of our services to our customers
Job Type: Full-time, May include some weekend work
Requirements: Applicants must supply a cover letter and CV
Brief Job Description
As Operations Manager you will be responsible for some of the key “moving parts” of our business:
- Depot – this is where all our sorting of recycling takes place including bailing, bin & truck washing.
- Logistics – management of our drivers, the runs / routes / rosters / vehicles and more that enable us to deliver the services that our customers expect.
- Workshop – we service all our vehicles and plant & equipment; safety and preventative maintenance are vital to ensure operations have reliable vehicles that are fit for purpose
The attributes and skills you will need to possess and be able to demonstrate are:
- People: Management of your direct reports in an effective way, understanding their needs, supporting them and help get the best out of them as they contribute in the business. You will have a sound knowledge of employment matters, be able to motivate and executive on goals and KPI’s within your team.
- Finance: understand your budgets and manage to these
- Systems/Processes: review and look to improve processes across the business. Identify constraints and develop strategies to deal with these. Assess current documentation and training material to determine if it is fit for purpose. You will be pivotal in helping move the dial towards operational excellence
- Health & Safety: This is a critical KPI in our business, we are an ISO accredited organisation and maintaining high standards are part of your day-to-day thinking.
- Strategy & Execution: We will provide you with the framework, but you must be able to analyse, develop and execute to a high level.
Click to Apply Now! >>
Our current opportunities
1. People and Culture Coordinator
Job Role: You will play an important role in supporting our people-focused initiatives and ensuring smooth day-to-day HR operations.
Reporting to the People and Culture Manager, you will assist in various HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, employment relations, and employee engagement.
Job Type: Full-time, Monday to Friday
Requirements:
- Minimum 2 years experience in Human Resources
- Applicants must provide a cover letter and CV
Brief Job Description
As our People and Culture Coordinator, you will be responsible for the following:
- Support end-to-end recruitment, including posting job ads, screening candidates, coordinating interviews, and reference checks.
- Assist with onboarding and induction processes, ensuring new team members have a positive experience.
- Coordinate employee engagement activities and wellness programs.
- Maintain employee records and ensure compliance with New Zealand employment legislation, including the Holidays Act, Employment Relations Act.
- Handle general HR administration such as employment agreements, variations, and performance reviews.
- Be the first point of contact for employee inquiries regarding HR policies, benefits, and entitlements.
- Monitor the trial period processes and support the company’s performance management process.
- Assist with employment relation matters and ensure that all legislation is adhered to.
- Responsible for the processing of resignations and conducting exit interviews.
- Support the implementation of people and culture projects to foster a high-performance culture.
- Taking ownership of the day-to-day coordination of HR functions including training and development initiatives.
- Creating relevant documentation ensuring they are kept up to date and accessible.
- Being the HRIS champion ensuring employee records are confidential, accurate and up-to-date.
To succeed in this role, you will be an organised and proactive individual with a genuine passion for people and culture.
You will bring:
- Qualification in Human Resources preferred.
- Minimum of two years experience in an HR/People and Culture Admin or Coordinator role. (experience in New Zealand is advantageous).
- A solid understanding of New Zealand employment law and best practices.
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
- Confidence in using HR information systems and MS Office (Word, Excel).
- A positive, can-do attitude and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Click to Apply Now! >>
Currently no vacancy in this position
Sounds like your kind of place to work?
We have a great value proposition to offer you. If you’re interested in joining our team, please check out our current job vacancies and apply now.
Our current opportunities
1. Environmental and Health & Safety Manager
2. Sales Representative
3. Junior Software Developer
1. Environmental and Health & Safety Manager
Are you passionate about managing Health and Safety?
Do you want to be part of a team that values collaboration, safety, and sustainability? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
- Ready to take your career to the next level in Environmental and Health & Safety management?
- Be part of a supportive and collaborative team where contributions are valued.
- We offer a competitive salary and a benefits package.
- Great work culture
About Us
At Rubbish Direct, our people are the core of our success. Since our founding in 1999, we’ve been 100% New Zealand-owned and operated, focused on providing exceptional service to meet the diverse needs of our customers. We pride ourselves on doing the little things right, and we continuously strive to grow, innovate, and maintain a positive, sustainable workplace culture. We are now looking for a dynamic and proactive Environmental and Health & Safety Manager to join our team.
About the Role
This position is a one-person team, focused on hands-on responsibilities. As our Environmental and Health & Safety Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that Rubbish Direct complies with all environmental and health and safety regulations, company policies, and accreditations. You will report directly to the General Manager. This role offers excellent growth opportunities for individuals who are passionate about promoting safety and sustainability while contributing to operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Your responsibilities will include ensuring that the company’s operations adhere to strict environmental regulations and maintain the highest standards of workplace safety.
- Ensuring our people are engaged, feel valued and are trained appropriately in all aspects of Health and Safety.
- Provide training and ongoing support to employees on environmental and health & safety best practices.
- Collaborate with and coach Department Managers to ensure compliance with the Health and Safety Work Act.
- Monitor and report on key environmental and health & safety performance indicators.
- Investigate incidents and near-misses, implementing corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
- Developing, implementing, and monitoring environmental and health & safety policies and procedures to promote a culture of safety and sustainability.
- Conduct regular risk assessments and develop control measures to mitigate potential hazards.
- Ensure that all company policies are updated regularly to comply with environmental, health and safety legislation, accreditations, and company requirements.
- Maintain external audit readiness, including ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 certification.
- Provide strategic guidance to the management team on environmental and health & safety initiatives.
About You
To succeed in this role, you will bring:
- Relevant qualification.
- A minimum of 5 years experience in a similar environmental and health & safety management role, preferably within the waste management or logistics industry.
- Thorough understanding of relevant environmental and occupational health & safety legislation and best practices.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and address potential risks.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to manage stakeholders and engage effectively with employees at all levels.
- A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
- A positive, can-do attitude and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Exhibits strong self-awareness, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
- Pragmatic problem solver or ability to apply practical solutions to complex EHS challenges while maintaining compliance.
- Basic understanding or familiarity with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards (preferred, but not mandatory)
What We Offer
At Rubbish Direct, we understand that our success depends on the well-being of our people. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our commitment to employee wellbeing, including:
- Health Insurance – Comprehensive medical coverage for you and your immediate family.
- Free Hot Meals – Enjoy complimentary nutritious meals during your working hours.
- Staff Welfare Scheme- Access to mental health support, counselling, and well-being initiatives.
- Annual Profit Share – Be part of our success with a share in the company’s annual profits.
If this position interests you, Click to Apply Now! >>
2. Sales Representative
Job Title – Sales representative hungry for growth wanted! – Rubbish Direct
Are you hungry to succeed and ready to take on the challenge of building relationships and closing deals?
We’re looking for a motivated Sales Representative to join our tight knit Sales team!
Who we are:
At Rubbish Direct, our people are the core of our success. Since our founding in 1999, we’ve been 100% New Zealand-owned and operated, focused on providing exceptional service to meet the diverse needs of our customers. We pride ourselves on doing the little things right, and we continuously strive to grow, innovate, and maintain a positive, sustainable workplace culture.
The Role:
As a Sales Representative, you’ll be at the heart of our efforts to transform the recycling and rubbish industry. You’ll be responsible for prospecting new clients, building relationships and selling our service to businesses and residential clients.
Who are you:
You do not need to know all about recycling and rubbish (we’ll teach you), but previous sales experience is a bonus. To succeed, qualities we are looking for are:
- Goal-Oriented & Persistent: Driven to exceed targets, with a knack for cold calling and resilience in the face of rejection.
- Team Player with a Sense of Humour: Works well in a small, close-knit team to achieve collective success. Being able to see the funny side of things is a must.
- Tech-Savvy & Organised: While formal qualifications aren’t required, basic level of computer literacy is essential.
- Trustworthy & Relatable: Builds strong customer relationships based on trust and communication.
- Critical Thinker & Problem Solver: Able to analyse leads effectively and takes ownership of challenges with a solution-oriented mindset. Your motto is “Leave it to me, I will take care of it for you”.
- Great Communicator: You can talk to anyone, at all levels of the organisation, and make a strong impression.
- Reliable & Disciplined: Consistently dependable with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
What We Offer:
At Rubbish Direct, we understand that our success depends on the well-being of our people. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our commitment to employee wellbeing, including:
- Health Insurance – Comprehensive medical coverage for you and your immediate family.
- Free Hot Meals – Enjoy complimentary nutritious meals during your working hours.
- Staff Welfare Scheme– Access to mental health support, counselling, and well-being initiatives.
- Annual Profit Share – Be part of our success with a share in the company’s annual profits.
How to Apply:
If the above sounds like you and you’re ready to hit the ground running, we want to hear from you.
Submit a video cover letter with your CV. In the video cover letter, we’d love to hear about you and why you’d be a perfect fit for the role. A 2-minute sales pitch about yourself if you will! Please note that you must have the legal right to work in New Zealand to apply for this role.
If this position interests you, Click to Apply Now! >>
We are looking for an experienced Workshop Manager to join our family. This is a vital role in our company. Your purpose as workshop manager is to set and maintain the standard of our fleet and plant maintenance programs. Our workshop team are responsible for servicing and maintaining a fleet of 50 or so Isuzu N & F series trucks along with forklifts and other plant and equipment.
As Workshop Manager you will be responsible for the following:
- Oversee daily operations ensuring the workshop runs smoothly by managing workflow, resources and people
- Organise work schedules, assign tasks, prioritise work to maximise fleet and plant availability
- Monitor inventory, equipment and materials creating timely procurement
- Monitor work standards conducting regular checks and maintaining records
- Make sure detailed records are kept for all service and repair work including COF’s
- Maintain a 100% first time pass rate for COF inspections
- Monitor, train, and manage your team across workload to keep the fleet on the road
- Run toolbox meetings
- Conduct H&S audits and training
- Motivate and inspire your team to meet exacting standards by leading by example
Some of the characteristics of the role include,
- You must have your class 2 truck license and be able to drive automatic and manual trucks.
- You will need to be a problem solver and have strong communication skills.
- You will need to learn about our workshop management software system and be good with technology.
- You will be good at managing multiple tasks every day.
- You will be flexible about your working day as drivers start shifts at 2am and we operate 365 days per year.
Joining Rubbish Direct in this role will provide you with a competitive package with all the usual benefits, however, the real opportunity will be the long-term job stability that comes with being a key part of our growth and development over the years to come. Your benefits will include free meals every day, access to a healthcare program after 6 months employment, participation in the company profit share scheme after 1 year of continuous employment and a company vehicle.
If this position interests you, Click to Apply Now! >>
GET PAID TO KEEP FIT!
Peace of mind with job security and a stable employer with family values.
If you have the right to work in New Zealand, a Class 2 truck licence, know what work ethic and values are, and believe that the harder you work the luckier you get then read on.
We have opportunities for people who want to keep fit, or even people who want to get fit, to join our team collecting recycling and rubbish in the Auckland region.
So how does this work?
Working for Rubbish Direct, helping us deliver what our customers pay us for:
- Clean & Tidy Rubbish Rooms, On Time, Every Time.
- We don’t sit in a truck all day operating a side arm or a set of forks on top of the truck, we get out of the cab at each and every customer, we go and get their bins, bring them to the truck, empty them and then take them back.
- On drivers walk on average 10,000 steps per day, pulling full bins and returning empty ones, this amount of physical and aerobic activity will ensure your fitness level is tip top!
Still there? Still interested?
Are you an early bird? As they say the early bird gets the worm!
- Well, working for the Rubbish Direct team means you will be up before the birds and home before the school kids.
- We start early, between 2.30 and 3.30am and your day will be about 10 hours long, a bit less once you get the hang of it and move a bit quicker.
- As our customers need us 365 days per year, we work 365 days per year, of course we do not expect you to work 7 days a week, but to start with you will need to be able to work weekends and have your days off during the week.
- In days gone by values, morals, work ethic – call it what you want, meant something.
- We are on the search for the needles in the haystack. Those of us who were raised to respect others and those of us who believe that that the harder we work the luckier we get.
So who are we?
We are Rubbish Direct!
Rubbish Direct is an Auckland based collector of rubbish and recycling that started out in 1999 with 1 truck, 1 person and 20 bins, we now have over 50 trucks, more than 100 staff and thousands of bins, so the growth says it all, we are providing a service the market wants and we do it quite simply by putting our customer’s requirements at the centre of everything we do.
What do we stand for?
Our belief is that if you stand for nothing you will fall for anything.
Values help us make decisions, they are our moral compass if you like, our values are written to be understood in plain language and to be lived by everyone of us.
- Our customers depend on us, don’t let them down – they pay the wages.
- Do it properly or don’t do it at all – there is no traffic on the extra mile.
- Be safe – look after yourself and watch out for everyone else.
- We find solutions, not problems – attitude is everything.
- Everyone is in the marketing department.
As you can see, even I am in the marketing department 🙂
We are passionate about what we do, and we take pride in our work.
We believe our business is as good as our people, so we bend over backwards for our people, to us that looks like this:
- Hot food / meals available for all staff, every day from 10.30 to 3pm.
- A $5,000 long service bonus every 5 years.
- An equal share in the profit pool for everyone who contributed for the year.
- Southern Cross healthcare after 6 months.
- Staff welfare scheme to help out with emergency expenses.
SHOW ME THE MONEY!
OK, so how do we pay our drivers?
Well, we also believe that the harder you work the luckier you get, so we pay our drivers a daily rate, that way those who work faster and think more get rewarded more.
For example, we design our runs so they can be completed by an “average” driver in 10 hours, some of our drivers will do their day in 8 or 8.5 hours, so they get the benefit of being quicker. Gone are the days when a slow driver gets paid more for being slow on a hourly rate!
We like skin in the game, ours and yours, ours comes from the 3-5 weeks training we have to invest in you, yours comes from starting on $300 a day and then once you have learnt your run and get the hang of it this will increase to $320 / day. Currently our top drivers are on over $350 / day.
If you think you fit the bill,
We would love to have a conversation with you about potentially joining our team. Please click ‘Apply Now!‘ and proceed with your job application.
Click to Apply Now! >>
Currently no vacancy in this position.
What Our Drivers Are Saying
Amit Kumar
Working with Rubbish Direct since October 2022
Justin Junies
Working with Rubbish Direct since November 2016
Danny Norman
Working with Rubbish Direct since August 2023
Bill Broadley
Working with Rubbish Direct since June 2007
Jaspreet Singh
Working with Rubbish Direct since September 2017
Jafari Kassim
Working with Rubbish Direct since August 2021
Amit Kumar
Working with Rubbish Direct since October 2022
Justin Junies
Working with Rubbish Direct since November 2016
Danny Norman
Working with Rubbish Direct since August 2023
Bill Broadley
Working with Rubbish Direct since June 2007
Jaspreet Singh
Working with Rubbish Direct since September 2017
Jafari Kassim
Working with Rubbish Direct since August 2021
Our People - Rubbish Direct Blog
Mark Dunkley
Cheers to 5 Years: Celebrating Our Workshop Hero, Mark Dunkley!
David Taylor
Working alongside David Taylor, a true legend, for 5 years has been an absolute honour and privilege
Neville Pearce
Congratulations, Neville Pearce, on completing 15 years with Rubbish Direct!
Jaspreet Singh
Celebrating 5 Years of Excellence: Jaspreet Singh at Rubbish Direct
Shayne Burdett
Celebrating 5 Years of Excellence: Shayne Burdett at Rubbish Direct
Edward Narayan
Celebrating 5 Years of Excellence Edward Narayan at Rubbish Direct
Pepa Lepaio
Celebrating 5 Incredible Years with Pepa Lepaio, Our Dedicated Team Leader in the Depot Department!
Resa Peneli
Celebrating 5 Incredible Years with Resa Peneli, Our Dedicated Depot Operator!
Mark Leslie
Celebrating 5 Years of Excellence with Mark Leslie!
Mark Dunkley
Cheers to 5 Years: Celebrating Our Workshop Hero, Mark Dunkley!
David Taylor
Working alongside David Taylor, a true legend, for 5 years has been an absolute honour and privilege
Neville Pearce
Congratulations, Neville Pearce, on completing 15 years with Rubbish Direct!
Jaspreet Singh
Celebrating 5 Years of Excellence: Jaspreet Singh at Rubbish Direct
Shayne Burdett
Celebrating 5 Years of Excellence: Shayne Burdett at Rubbish Direct
Edward Narayan
Celebrating 5 Years of Excellence Edward Narayan at Rubbish Direct
Pepa Lepaio
Celebrating 5 Incredible Years with Pepa Lepaio, Our Dedicated Team Leader in the Depot Department!
Resa Peneli
Celebrating 5 Incredible Years with Resa Peneli, Our Dedicated Depot Operator!
Mark Leslie
Celebrating 5 Years of Excellence with Mark Leslie!
Mark Dunkley
Cheers to 5 Years: Celebrating Our Workshop Hero, Mark Dunkley!
Our Culture and Values
