ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Recycling Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Lowe's

Full Time - Head Cashier - Day

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

... recycler levels to ensure they do not exceed limit requirements Monitors merchandise entering and leaving the store entrances and exits and assists customers or associates who trigger the alarm ...

Quakerhoughton

Fluidcare Technician 1

Waterloo, IA · On-site

... recycling initiatives. Assist in maintaining and calibrating all laboratory equipment; such as ... with union associates. Interact with customer's production and technical personnel and other ...

Can Shed

Associate

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$15/hr

CUSTOMER SERVICE & REDEMPTION REPRESENTATIVE Full-Time Opportunity Available Can Shed | Cedar Rapids, Iowa Join a Team That's Making a Difference Every Day At Can Shed, we're more than a recycling ...

Can Shed

Associate

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$15/hr

CUSTOMER SERVICE & REDEMPTION REPRESENTATIVE Full-Time Opportunity Available Can Shed | Cedar Rapids, Iowa Join a Team That's Making a Difference Every Day At Can Shed, we're more than a recycling ...

Loomis

Field Service Technician

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18 - $33/hr

ATMs and Teller Cash Recyclers (TCRs) * Smart Safes and Currency Counters * Self-Service Kiosks ... High School Diploma or equivalent (Associate's degree a plus). * At least 21 years of age. * Valid ...

Burroughs, Inc.

Field Service Technician

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18 - $33/hr

ATMs and Teller Cash Recyclers (TCRs) * Smart Safes and Currency Counters * Self-Service Kiosks ... High School Diploma or equivalent (Associate's degree a plus). * At least 21 years of age. * Valid ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsRecycling Associate JobsRecycling Associate Jobs in Iowa

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:

Recycling Associate jobs near you
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.

SALES ASSOCIATE

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF NORTHEAST IOWA, INC.

Waverly, IA • On-site

$13.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist customers with shopping, donations, and transactions to ensure a positive experience.

  • Sort, grade, and stock donations and merchandise, and prepare outgoing truck loads.

  • Maintain store cleanliness, safety, and equipment condition, and assist with store upkeep and safety measures.

Job description

Job Summary:

This position reports to the Store Manager within the scope of the mission, guiding principles, values, ethics and strategic goals of Goodwill Industries of Northeast Iowa, Inc.  This position is responsible for assisting with customers and register transactions, donation receiving, loading and unloading trailers, sorting and grading material, baling in some locations, merchandising, stocking and rotating product and light-duty maintenance and housekeeping.  Provides excellent service to both internal and external customers by way of communication and assistance and by way of quality of work.

 Duties and Responsibilities:

(Essential functions of the position are listed in bold print.)

  • Greets customers immediately upon entering store.   Ensures good customer service and a shopping experience that meets agency expectations.
  • Sorts and grades all donations and truck shipments in timely and effective manner so that stores are well-stocked with high quality merchandise.
  • Operates cash register so that all transactions are handled pleasantly and effectively.  Customers do not wait more than 15 seconds when first in line and assistance is called when more than 3 customers are in line.
  • Identifies appropriate merchandise for online sales and handles according to process/procedure.
  • Marks and stocks new goods merchandise according to process/procedure.
  • Greets donors pleasantly at their car and immediately unloads items.  Ensures good customer service and a donating experience that meets agency expectations.
  • Donations are distributed to proper work or holding area and donation count is recorded accurately.
  • Offers tax receipt form to each donor.
  • Between donor engagements, sorts material so that 95% unsaleable items are redirected to garbage or salvage.
  • Theft is prevented by remaining alert at all times in all areas and immediately notifying management of any suspicious activities.
  • Assists and helps with shoveling snow, replacing light bulbs, washing windows, and any other upkeep.
  • Advises and demonstrates all job duties for new team members.
  • Maintains top-flight condition and appearance of store and donation area by focusing on housekeeping and safety at all times.   Communicates needs for repair, fixtures, maintenance, etc.
  • Works collaboratively within department to maximize service opportunities and maintain a continuous improvement agenda.
  • Helps prepare outgoing truck loads including baling, sorting, operating forklift, organizing, etc.
  • Assists truck driver in loading/unloading.
  • Minimizes waste expense and maximize salvage revenue opportunity by recycling as many products as possible in most resourceful way.
  • Ensures that equipment is in safe operating condition and that all safeguards are in place.   
  • Completes all duties of the job and all work requirements.
  • Models Goodwill’s core values, IMPACT. (Inspire Others, Mission First, People Matter, Align with Community, Create Opportunity, Tell our Stories)

Qualifications:

  • Must be at least 16 years old.
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent preferred.  Minimum of 2 years of any combination of military service, high school, or related full-time employment may substitute.  
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Possess a positive attitude and infect others with similar enthusiasm.
  • Must be able to lift, push, or pull fifty pounds with assistance.
  • Loyalty to the agency and its mission and policies.
  • Reliable transportation.  Ability to work a flexible schedule at multiple locations including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Must be willing to obtain a forklift license if able.
  • Ability to use good judgment, discretion, and initiative.