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Recycling Associate Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Production Associate As a production associate, you will operate and maintain the scale booth ... You may encounter loud noises and fumes from heavy equipment and metal recycling machinery. The ...

Sales Associates are responsible for keeping the sales floor neat and well-stocked, creating ... in recycling containers, and emptying trash, applying tags, hanging on appropriate hangers on ...

Eugene Shop - Retail Associate

Eugene, OR

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

Sales Associates are responsible for keeping the sales floor neat and well-stocked, creating ... in recycling containers, and emptying trash, applying tags, hanging on appropriate hangers on ...

Portland Shop - Retail Associate

Portland, OR

$16.25 - $18.50/hr

Sales Associates are responsible for keeping the sales floor neat and well-stocked, creating ... in recycling containers, emptying trash, applying tags, and hanging on appropriate hangers on ...

Showing results 21-40

Recycling Associate information

See Oregon salary details

$8

$17

$30

How much do recycling associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling associate in Oregon is $17.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.32 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 Oregon? The most popular types of Recycling jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Recycling Associate jobs in Oregon? For Recycling Associate jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Recycling Associate jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Recycling Associate jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Recycling Associate jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Recycling Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Recycling Associate job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,507 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Zero Waste Campaign Associate

The Public Interest Network

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

$40K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

PIRG is hiring a Campaign Associate to help drive our campaigns to Break the Waste Cycle and move us towards a "circular" or "zero waste" economy in which less is consumed and all materials are reused, recycled and composted.ย 

Our country has a waste problem. Natural resources are continually extracted to produce goods that are used - often just once - before they are thrown into landfills, incinerators or the natural environment. This system of consumption and disposal results in the waste of precious resources and in pollution that threatens our health, environment and the global climate.

To protect public health and the environment, conserve natural resources and landscapes, and address the mounting crisis of climate change, America needs to move toward an economic system characterized by zero waste.ย 

Our Zero Waste Campaign Associate will support campaigns to phase out fast fashion, reduce needless plastic waste, protect us from microplastics and other zero waste efforts.
  • Build powerful coalitions: Reach out to a broad range of organizations and affected constituency groups across the political spectrum to demonstrate support for our campaign goals.
  • Earn traditional media and social media attention: Organize news conferences and write opinion pieces. Build a following on social media for your campaign.
  • Organize events and work with volunteers. Organize webinars, community events and public meetings. Recruit organizations and members of the public to attend and participate.
  • Research and write reports: Catalog and analyze data relevant to the issue and our policy proposals to help influence public debate and earn media attention for our cause.
  • Recruit new people to your team: Help build your team by recruiting volunteers, interns and full-time staff.
  • Run a grassroots campaign office each summer: Run a campaign office for the summer, knocking on doors to raise money to support our campaigns, build our organization and membership, and help build critical and timely grassroots support to win key campaigns. Your responsibilities will include meeting your own fundraising goals and managing a team of paid staff. You may be assigned to a different office location for the summer and should be flexible to move.
We are seeking a Campaign Associate who will spearhead this campaign and work with our experienced team of advocates, researchers, and digital and communications experts. Entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply. Though we expect you to take your campaign and run with it, we provide training on advocacy and organizing skills, as well as oversight by an experienced advocate. Ideal candidates will have leadership experience, top-notch writing and public speaking skills, an eagerness to learn, and be ready for a challenge. We value organizing experience, including building campus or community groups.
Compensation and Benefits
The target annual compensation for this position is $40,000. PIRG offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, time off, a commuter benefit program, a 401(k) plan with employer match, parental leave, long term disability insurance, and may include needs-based student loan assistance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.ย 

Why work with PIRG? Check out 10 reasons: https://pirg.org/why-work-with-us/.ย 

Our Mission and Values
PIRG is part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. Visit https://pirg.org/core-values/ for things you should know about our network when you apply.

Please do not use AI when drafting your application. We want to know how you think and write.

PIRG is an equal opportunity employer.