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Recycling Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Merchandise Coordinator- New Store- Marshalls

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $14.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... recycling and, where applicable, hazardous waste programs Communicates accurately and effectively with management and Associates when setting and addressing priorities; provides progress updates ...

Full Time: Merchandise Coordinator

Coralville, IA · On-site

$13.10 - $13.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... recycling and, where applicable, hazardous waste programs Communicates accurately and effectively with management and Associates when setting and addressing priorities; provides progress updates ...

Full Time: Merchandise Coordinator

Coralville, IA · On-site

$13.10 - $13.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ensures compliance with recycling and, where applicable, hazardous waste programs * Communicates accurately and effectively with management and Associates when setting and addressing priorities ...

Department Supervisors

Marshalltown, IA · On-site

$14 - $14.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ensures compliance with recycling and, where applicable, hazardous waste programs * Communicates accurately and effectively with management and Associates when setting and addressing priorities ...

Showing results 41-60

Recycling Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$7

$15

$27

How much do recycling associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 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 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.

Machine Operator Trash Dock - 3rd Shift

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Council Bluffs, IA • On-site

$21.20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Conagra Brands rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 133 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

215th of 437 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Shift: 9:00 PM-5:00 AM
Hourly Rate: $21.20 an hour
Job Summary:
The Trash Dock associate will perform a variety of duties including but not limited to completing required paperwork, operating the controls on the compactors, adjusting when necessary; as well as baling & operating the trash compactors and balers.
Base rate: $21.20
Attendance bonus: for 3rd shift $.70
Essential Job Functions:
  • Ability to work the scheduled/assigned times and required overtime for position
  • Ability to read, write and comprehend English
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Must be well organized and able to prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Ability to operate P.I.T.'s (Sit-down Forklift & Pallet Jack)
  • Ability to work individually as well as with others as a team at all levels
  • Ability to push or pull up to 50 lbs. repetitively
  • Ability to push, pull, or tip 100+ lbs. repetitively

Job Duties:
  • Obtain all required paperwork for shift
  • Check compactors for anything out of the ordinary
  • Dumping & compacting trash into the trash compactors
  • Adding cardboard into the cardboard baler and bale the cardboard for recycling
  • Adding plastic &/or bucket into the vertical baler and bale the plastic &/or bucket for recycling
  • Pumping liquids (fats, oils & grease) into the designated tank
  • Monitoring the compacting process
  • Loading the cardboard, barrels, pallets, plastic &/or bucket and etc. onto the designated trailer
  • Cleaning compactors, totes, work area, etc.
  • Ensuring good housekeeping (interior and exterior) and 5S standards are met
  • Complete all required paperwork and document critical data
  • May perform general labor duties as assigned
  • May perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
  • Knowledge of GMP's and food allergens
  • Ability to be PIT Certified
  • Ability to be LOTO Certified
  • Knowledge of the 5S concept
  • Ability to work with animal and allergen products

Qualifications:
Education: High school diploma or GED preferred.
Experience: Minimum 3 months' production or related experience preferred.
Anticipated Close Date: June 25, 2026
Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa
Our Benefits
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:
  • Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and disability insurance
  • Wealth: Great pay, 401(k)/pension eligibility, financial wellness programs and stock purchase plan
  • Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups and team collaboration
  • Balance: Paid-time off and volunteer opportunities

Our Company
At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions - within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.
Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.
Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

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About Conagra Brands

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) is an approximately $11 billion company that combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus and entrepreneurial spirit. We're transforming the way we operate to fulfill what consumers and customers want, in a smart, simple way. We're modernizing our iconic food brands, leveraging fresh opportunities and adapting to a changing landscape - all with a culture that's ready to capture growth and drive shareholder value.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1919

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