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Recycling Associate Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Plant Associate

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$20/hr

Job Summary The Plant Associate will ensure all waste is unloaded from vehicles, the vehicles are ... The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to ...

Plant Associate

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$20/hr

Job Summary The Plant Associate will ensure all waste is unloaded from vehicles, the vehicles are ... The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to ...

Plant Associate

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$20/hr

Job Summary The Plant Associate will ensure all waste is unloaded from vehicles, the vehicles are ... The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to ...

Plant Associate

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$20/hr

Job Summary The Plant Associate will ensure all waste is unloaded from vehicles, the vehicles are ... The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to ...

Sales Associate

Gilbert, AZ · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Do you like the idea of sustainable and recycled styles? Kid to Kid is not your typical thrift ... We are looking for part-time sales associates to join our team, and we offer flexible schedules ...

Job Opportunity At Inova Staffing Inova Staffing is looking to hire motivated individuals to work with our client who recycles and refurnishes electronic devices. This is an exciting career ...

Showing results 41-60

Recycling Associate information

See Arizona salary details

$7

$15

$27

How much do recycling associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling associate in Arizona is $15.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $16.11 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 is a recycling associate?

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?

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.

Is recycling a good career path?

Recycling associate roles can provide stable employment in waste management and environmental services, often requiring physical stamina and attention to safety protocols. The field offers opportunities for advancement and skills development in sustainability practices, but wages and job growth vary by region and employer.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recycling jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Recycling jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Recycling Associate jobs in Arizona?

For Recycling Associate jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recycling Associate jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Recycling Associate jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Recycling Associate jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Recycling Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Recycling Associate job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,296 per year, or $15 per hour.

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Waste Management rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 645 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 90 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Stericycle is now part of WM. To learn more about WM's acquisition of Stericycle, CLICK HERE to read the press release.

Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour. Paid weekly.
Shift: Monday-Friday, 10 AM to 7 PM, or until finish. 
What is the value of a WM job? The value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. 
We Are Stable: Our WM team is home every day, and our team members perform essential and meaningful work.
We Are Committed to Growth: Annual Education Assistance Benefit available for team members.
We Are Investing in You: Amazing Medical, Dental & Vision, 401K with match, discounted stock options, dependent day care, and more!
Who are we? #WeAreWM

Ready to roll with us?  Click Apply to join the WM (formerly Waste Management) team today


I. Job Summary
The Plant Associate will ensure all waste is unloaded from vehicles, the vehicles are decontaminated, and waste is properly staged for scanning and processing. The individual will perform the duties in a safe and productive manner. 
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Unload waste from incoming vehicles. Separates non-autoclavable waste to be incinerated.
  • Stage waste on conveyor system or properly stack waste for scanning in the Biotrack system.
  • Scan waste into the Biotrack system for proper recordkeeping purposes.
  • Load autoclave bins or incinerator hopper with waste for processing.
  • Place reusable containers on tub wash line for decontamination.
  • Operates tub wash unit ensuring the wash unit is operating properly. Removes clean tubs from wash unit, inspects tubs and stacks for loading onto assigned vehicle for reuse.
  • Operates tub wash sprayer for oversized reusable tubs ensuring the unit is operating properly. Inspect tubs and stacks for loading onto assigned vehicle for reuse.
  • Decontaminates vehicles cargo-carrying portion, reloads assigned reusable tubs and ensures cargo-carrying portion of vehicle does not have free liquid on the floor. Informs plant supervisor that the vehicle is ready to be moved from dock area.
  • Ensuring housekeeping issues, e.g., spills cleaned up, floor is dry, and debris not on floor, etc., are addressed immediately.
  • Other duties and responsibilities, as assigned.


III. Qualifications 

A. Required Qualifications  

  • 1 year of experience, preferably in plant environment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and understand and follow health and safety directives and performance and conduct standards, policies and procedures that apply to the role and location.


B. Preferred Qualifications  

  • Valid Driver's License.

IV. Physical Requirements
Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Standing
  • Lifting
  • Pushing
  • Pulling
  • Reaching
  • Grasping
  • Talking
  • Repetitive Motions
  • Walking
  • Hearing


Field: This job operates in both inside garage, shop or gas plant conditions as well as outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity.


This role is designated as safety sensitive and will require the successful candidate to strictly comply with all safety rules and protocols. As part of the ongoing employment requirements, the successful candidate may be subject to drug and alcohol testing-including preemployment screening, postincident evaluations, reasonable suspicion checks, and random testing-in accordance with government regulations and company policies.


V. Benefits 
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability. As well as a Stock Purchase Plan, Company match on 401K, and more! Our employees also receive Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Personal Days. Please note that benefits may vary by site. 
 

If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click Apply.

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.

What is the value of a WM job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career. We Are WM is what defines the perks of being in the WM family - from benefits, to resources and engagement activities. 

We are People First. We are Committed to Your Growth. We Are Investing in You. We are a Family. We are Stable. We are Always Working for a Sustainable Tomorrow. 

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