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Recycling Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Part-Time Warehouse Associate - Forklift Location: Waterloo, IA 50701 Schedule: Part-time, 24 hours ... for recycling. * Availability to work three full 8-hour shifts per week at the Waterloo location.

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Break down cartons and cases and prepare them for recycling in accordance with plant procedures. * Transport cartons and cardboard materials to the compactor for recycling in a safe and efficient ...

... recycling, or heavy equipment environments. * High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred. * Knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems is a plus.

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Recycling Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$7

$15

$27

How much do recycling associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling associate in Iowa is $15.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $16.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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

The most popular types of Recycling jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Recycling Associate job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,544 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Loss Prevention Specialist

Liberty Tire Recycling

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Key responsibilities

  • Investigate suspicious behavior, internal dishonesty, and external theft activity.

  • Monitor and analyze surveillance systems, including CCTV and GPS tracking.

  • Prepare detailed incident reports and investigative documentation.


Liberty Tire Recycling rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 92 rated recycling and waste


Job description

About Us:

Liberty Tire Recycling is a high-growth company and the premier provider of tire recycling services in North America with operations throughout the United States and Canada. Liberty Tire annually transforms more than 210 million tires into raw materials for smart, sustainable products that improve our environment and people’s lives. The Company is private equity owned, has approximately 60 sites in the US and Canada, and nearly 4,000 employees. With innovative tools, technologies and processes, Liberty Tire is a revolutionary American conservation enterprise – from coast to coast, and from whole tire to end products. The company’s commitment to finding new and better ways to RECLAIM, RECYCLE and REUSE bridges the sustainability goals of scrap tire generators nationwide with those of local scrap rubber consumers.

Job Summary:

The Loss Prevention Specialist is responsible for supporting the reduction of lost assets at Liberty Tire Recycling through investigation, monitoring, training, and preventative solutions. This role oversees surveillance activities, identifies and investigates suspicious or dishonest behavior involving employees, customers, or external parties, and utilizes tools such as CCTV, GPS tracking, and data analysis to mitigate risk and prevent theft.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Maintain and enforce company loss prevention policies and procedures
  • Investigate suspicious behavior, internal dishonesty, and external theft activity
  • Monitor and analyze surveillance systems, including CCTV and GPS tracking
  • Partner with National Account store managers and dispatch to ensure route driver compliance with assigned routes
  • Monitor, investigate, and resolve tire theft issues at customer locations and within Liberty operations
  • Analyze product flow and inventory data to identify discrepancies or potential loss
  • Conduct random field observations of route drivers during their workday
  • Build and maintain relationships with local law enforcement agencies
  • Support training and awareness initiatives related to loss prevention
  • Prepare detailed incident reports and investigative documentation
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Skills and Abilities:

  • Strong investigative skills with experience conducting internal and external investigations
  • Ability to independently initiate and lead investigations into loss or theft
  • Proficiency in analyzing operational, inventory, and logistics data
  • Experience conducting interviews related to alleged misconduct or policy violations
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to prepare clear, detailed reports and documentation
  • Self-starter with high motivation and ability to work independently
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
  • Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Reliable transportation required

Education and Experience:

  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in loss prevention, security, or law enforcement; or 7+ years of equivalent experience in a related field
  • Experience working with or within law enforcement strongly preferred
  • Military experience is a plus

EEO Statement:

Liberty Tire Recycling is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, relationship or association with a protected veteran (spouses or other family members), genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.


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