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Recycling Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Goodwill - NNE

Recycling Associate

Gorham, ME

The Recycling Associate must be able to comply with all applicable safety measures related to the use of assigned equipment. Recycling associate must be able to lift and place materials in assigned ...

Goodwill

Recycling Associate

Gorham, ME · On-site

The Recycling Associate must be able to comply with all applicable safety measures related to the use of assigned equipment. Recycling associate must be able to lift and place materials in assigned ...

Close The Loop

Recycling Associate

Hebron, KY

$16/hr

Recycling Associate Looking for a fresh start with a company that appreciates what you bring to the table? Close the Loop is an international leader in recycling and sustainability, giving new life ...

Close the Loop

Recycling Associate

Hebron, KY

$16/hr

... Recycling Associate Looking for a fresh start with a company that appreciates what you bring to the table? Close the Loop is an international leader in recycling and sustainability, giving new life ...

Close the Loop

Recycling Associate

Hebron, KY · On-site

$16/hr

... Recycling Associate Looking for a fresh start with a company that appreciates what you bring to the table? Close the Loop is an international leader in recycling and sustainability, giving new life ...

Our Company

Warehouse Recycling Associate

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$16/hr

Rooms To Go Recycler Starting pay is $16.00 / hour or more based on experience. Earn an additional ... Plus medical, dental, vision and other benefits available for associates who want them Individual ...

Our Company

Warehouse Recycling Associate

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$16/hr

Rooms To Go Recycler Starting pay is $16.00 / hour or more based on experience. Earn an additional ... Plus medical, dental, vision and other benefits available for associates who want them Individual ...

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How much do recycling associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling associate in the United States is $16.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Recycling Associates face on the job, and how can they be managed?

Recycling Associates often encounter challenges such as sorting materials efficiently, handling hazardous or contaminated items, and maintaining safety standards in a fast-paced environment. Staying organized, wearing proper protective gear, and following established protocols can help manage these challenges effectively. Many workplaces offer training and support to ensure associates are prepared to handle unexpected situations and work as a team to keep operations running smoothly.

What are Recycling Associates?

Recycling Associates are workers responsible for sorting, processing, and preparing recyclable materials for reuse or proper disposal. They typically work at recycling centers, waste management facilities, or within organizations that handle large volumes of recyclable waste. Their tasks include separating materials by type, inspecting items for contamination, operating sorting machinery, and ensuring that all recyclables meet quality standards. Recycling Associates play a crucial role in reducing landfill waste and supporting environmental sustainability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Recycling Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recycling Associate, you need a solid understanding of waste sorting, basic safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with recycling machinery, conveyor systems, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong teamwork skills help ensure effective sorting and efficient workflow. These abilities are crucial for maintaining safety, minimizing contamination, and supporting sustainable waste management operations.

What is the difference between Recycling Associate vs Waste Sorter?

AspectRecycling AssociateWaste Sorter
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety training
Work EnvironmentRecycling facilities, outdoor and indoorRecycling plants, outdoor and indoor
Industry UsageCommonly employed in recycling centers and waste managementOften used interchangeably with Recycling Associate in waste sorting roles
Job FocusSorting, processing, and preparing recyclablesSorting waste materials for recycling or disposal

Recycling Associates and Waste Sorters perform similar roles in waste management, focusing on sorting and processing recyclables. Both roles typically require similar credentials and work in comparable environments. The main difference lies in terminology, with 'Recycling Associate' often used in retail or community recycling programs, while 'Waste Sorter' is common in industrial recycling plants. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers find the right position in the recycling industry.

More about Recycling Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Recycling Associate jobs? Cities with the most Recycling Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Recycling jobs? The most popular types of Recycling jobs are:
What states have the most Recycling Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Recycling Associate jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Recycling Associate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Recycling Associate jobs are:
Recycling Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recycling Associate job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,583 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
Recycling Associate

Recycling Associate

American Furniture Warehouse

Gilbert, AZ

$17/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

American Furniture Warehouse rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 58 rated furniture retailers

Job description

Job Description
Job Overview
As a Recycling Associate, you will help ensure compliance with environmental and safety programs by facilitating company recycling efforts. The Recycling Associate is responsible for operating heavy equipment including cardboard balers, pallet jacks, stock pickers, foam densifiers, shredders, and other recycling equipment.
Recycling Associate's are also quality control inspectors and remove unwanted or harmful materials while sorting recyclables. The ideal associate develops strategies to improve recycling efforts, adheres to quality expectations and standards, and has excellent attention to detail. If you are eager to help the environment and make a difference, then AFW is looking for you!
Job Responsibilities & Duties
Typical duties include but are not limited to:
  • Sorting various materials such as cardboard, Styrofoam, and scrap items into appropriate machinery for recycling.
  • Transporting recyclables, scrap, and trash throughout the warehouse.
  • Operating balers to compress recyclable materials into bundles or bales.
  • Operating various equipment, such as forklift or pallet jack to load items onto trucks for shipping and pick up.
  • Lock Out Tag Out (L.O.T.O) equipment as needed.
  • Ensure department, walking lanes, and nearby areas are clean and professional.
  • Cleaning and maintaining recycling equipment.
  • Periodically empty all trash cans through the facility.
  • Ensuring your safety and the safety of all others at all times.
  • Perform regular maintenance and minor repairs on the recycling equipment.
  • Collaborate with the maintenance team to make sure the grounds and the building are always properly cared and clean up to AFW standards.
  • Report all equipment issues and potential liabilities along with recommendations for solving such issues to the AFW management team.
  • Abide by all company policies and procedures.
  • All other duties assigned by the Maintenance Manager as directed.
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Job Requirements
  • Flexible schedule to work all shifts, including holidays and weekends.
  • Ability to become certified in the operation of warehouse equipment.
  • Ability to be trained on the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Prior experience operating warehouse equipment, such as forklift, pallet jack and cherry picker preferred.
  • Have a strong independent work ethic.
  • Excellent organizational skill and the ability to demonstrate attention to detail, and accuracy.
  • Sense of ownership and pride in your performance and its impact on AFW's success
  • Ability to prioritize tasks when appropriate.
  • Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
  • Basic computer skills.
Education & Experience
High school diploma or GED is preferred.; equivalent combination of education and experience accepted in lieu of diploma.
Certificates & Licenses
None required. Recycling and Environmental Health and Safety certifications/licenses preferred.
Compensation
  • Pay Rate: Starting at $17/hour and up - dependent on experience
  • Pay Grade A: $16.00-26.91
  • Weekend, 3rd shift, and mid-shift premiums offered dependent on shift schedule.
  • At AFW we offer great perks: weekly pay, benefits package (medical, dental, vision), 401k matching, and more!
Physical Requirements
  • Requires the ability to maneuver in confined and at times congested areas.
  • Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, & bend for 8 hours a day.
  • Requires constant use of arms, hands, fingers, eyes, legs, and back.
  • Ability to move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing 50-100lbs
  • Able to work shifts that are 8-12 hours long.
  • Ability to work 0 to 35 feet above the ground.
  • Able to work in various weather conditions. The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions.
Physical Work Environment
  • Fluorescent Lighting
  • Concrete Flooring
  • Climate effected by outside conditions including but not limited too extreme heat/cold
  • Considerable exterior noise
  • Extreme temperature fluctuations in the warehouse.

If you want to know more about American Furniture Warehouse and what we do click on the link below!
https://youtu.be/QjaYn_sn_AM
American Furniture Warehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. Working Safely is a Condition of Employment at American Furniture Warehouse - an Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D/V.
A pre-employment drug screen, background and fit for duty exam check must be passed upon job offer.
Since 1975, our motto has been Under Promise and Over Deliver and this is exactly what we do on a daily basis! At AFW, we strongly believe in recognizing those who exemplify excellence, and reward them for contributing to our collective success. We strive to provide a great work environment for our employees and give them the knowledge and tools needed to provide our customers with an even greater buying experience. At American Furniture Warehouse We Do It Right the First Time!

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