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Recycling Associate Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Warehouse Associate KBS is looking for motivated, high-energy Warehouse Associates (Corrugate Recycler) to join our team for immediate full-time, permanent positions. These positions are primarily ...

Warehouse Associate KBS is looking for motivated, high-energy Warehouse Associates (Corrugate Recycler) to join our team for immediate full-time, permanent positions. These positions are primarily ...

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

Plant Associate

Dacono, CO · On-site

$21.73/hr

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

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

Production Associate

Denver, CO · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Knowledge of and ability to operate Pre-breakers / Re-Grinding equipment to recycle EPS. * Must be trained and familiar with general safety. Production Associate Experience * Prior experience in a ...

Production Associate

Denver, CO

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Knowledge of and ability to operate Pre-breakers / Re-Grinding equipment to recycle EPS. * Must be trained and familiar with general safety. Production Associate Experience * Prior experience in a ...

Warehouse Associate Grow With Us! Hudson is North America's leading travel retailer. For over 30 ... recycling Required Qualifications: Attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy Ability to ...

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Recycling Associate information

See Colorado salary details

$8

$16

$30

How much do recycling associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling associate in Colorado is $16.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $18.22 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 Colorado? The most popular types of Recycling jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Recycling Associate jobs in Colorado? For Recycling Associate jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Recycling Associate jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Recycling Associate jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Recycling Associate jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Recycling Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Recycling Associate job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,313 per year, or $17 per hour.

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 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

10th of 62 rated furniture retailers


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 as instructed.
  • 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

  • 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.

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!

American Furniture Warehouse is a retailer of home furnishings, operating in Colorado, Arizona, and Texas. With more than 3200 employees, we pride ourselves on our ability to offer value and service to our customers.  When you join AFW you become part of a professional, customer service oriented company. 
AFW is seeking highly motivated, energetic, hardworking candidates to join our team.
 

AFW offers highly competitive pay and a full benefits package that includes 401k, medical, dental, vision and a host of voluntary programs including life insurance, disability, all at affordable rates.  

What American Furniture Warehouse employees say

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