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Recycling Associate Jobs in Virginia (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 ...

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 ...

Warehouse Associate

Lorton, VA ยท On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Warehouse Associate * Check in stock orders that are delivered * Pull items for install jobs ... Take out trash, recycling and pallets * Sweep warehouse when necessary * Complete any odd jobs ...

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Recycling Associate information

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 Virginia? The most popular types of Recycling jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Recycling Associate jobs in Virginia? For Recycling Associate jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Recycling Associate jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Recycling Associate jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Recycling Associate jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Recycling Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Recycling Associate job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Material Handler E Recycling

Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia

Richmond, VA โ€ข On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Other

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Description
Position Summary
Support Goodwill's mission, by providing assistance to department managers and associates in the E-Recycling Store. Transfer merchandise, carts and trash to holding area or appropriate department.
Essential Duties
(Other duties within the scope of this position may be assigned.)
1. Sort donated goods and other materials into the proper material handling equipment.
2. Safely and efficiently use equipment to transport donated goods to the appropriate areas.
3. Assist with pricing and displaying merchandise when required.
4. Safely, efficiently, and accurately load trucks and trailers when required.
5. Follow proper procedures for waste disposal, safely using equipment such as crushers, compactors and lot sweepers.
6. Responsible for general housekeeping of assigned areas.
7. Provide outstanding customer service to internal and external customers.
8. Adhere to all recycling procedures.
9. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor, filling in for other positions when necessary.
10. Be willing and able to achieve forklift certification. Prior experience welcomed but not necessary
Supervisory Responsibilities
The associate in this position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.
Education/Experience/Certificates/Security Clearance
โ€ข High School Diploma or GED preferred. Will consider a combination of education and work experience.
โ€ข No previous experience required.
โ€ข No professional certifications are required for this position.
โ€ข The associate is not required to drive as part of their job duties.
โ€ข The associate in this position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check.
Competencies
Lives the Values, Drives for Results, Customer Focus, Communication, Job Skills Knowledge
Safety Statement
Associates are required to follow Goodwill's safety rules and regulations, as outlined in Goodwill's policies.
Information Privacy and Security
This associate may have access to Confidential Information (CI) and is required to be familiar with the Goodwill Privacy policy 10.23 related to the handling of CI, and follow all related procedures required to protect the privacy and security of CI.
Physical Demands/Work Environment/Work Conditions
โ€ข The associate is required to lift up to 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
โ€ข The associate works in a moderate work environment with occassional exposure to extreme atmospheric conditions (temperature, noise, fumes, dust, etc.).
โ€ข The associate must be available to work evenings and/or weekends as business needs dictate.
Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please click on this link to access our EEO / Affirmative Action Program posters and learn about your rights as an applicant.
If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact the recruiting team at Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia at 804-745-6300 or via email at RecruitingAccommodations@goodwillvirginia.org . All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
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