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Recycling Associate Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Retail Store Associate

Columbia, MD · On-site

$16 - $16.87/hr

Retail Store Associate Pay Range: Our starting pay ranges from $16.00 to $16.87 depending on job ... Recycler, Shoes $16.87 = Clothing Grader, Hardware Pricer, Material Handler Savers Benefits ...

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Recycling Associate information

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$8

$18

$32

How much do recycling associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling associate in Washington is $18.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $19.62 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 Washington?

The most popular types of Recycling jobs in Washington are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Recycling Associate jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Recycling Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Recycling Associate job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,036 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Retail Store Associate

Savers Value Village

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

$17.75 - $18.70/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Savers Value Village rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 209 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 50 rated thrift stores


Job description

Description
Position at Savers / Value Village
Job Title: Retail Store Associate
Pay Range: Our starting pay ranges from $17.75 to $18.70 depending on job duty/position.
$17.75 = Sales Clerk, Designated Sales Clerk, Custodian, Tagger/Roller Hard, Tagger/Roller Soft
$18.01 = Clothing Sorter/Hanger, Hardware Sorter
$18.28 = Bed & Bath, Books, CDC Ambassador, Furniture, Jewelry, Recycler, Shoes
$18.70 = Clothing Grader, Hardware Pricer, Material Handler
Savers Benefits
Geographic & job eligibility rules may apply
Healthcare Plans
Comprehensive coverage (medical/dental/vision) at a reasonable cost
Specialized health programs - Improve wellness (quit smoking, counseling, diabetes management, chronic joint pain)
Paid Time Off
Sick Pay
Vacation Pay - Approximately 1-2 weeks
6 paid holidays plus 1 to 2 additional floating holidays
Team member discounts
Up to 50% off store merchandise
Flexible spending accounts
Use pre-tax dollars for eligible health and day care expenses
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
A whole suite of free tools and resources to manage life's challenges and maintain a healthy work-life balance
Retirement Plan
A 401k plan with generous company matching contributions to assist you in saving for a secure financial future.
Life insurance
Company provided peace of mind and the option to purchase a supplemental plan
Additional Benefits
Performance Merit Increases
Who we are:
As one of the largest for-profit thrift operators in the United States, Canada and Australia for value priced pre-owned clothing, accessories and household goods, our mission is to champion reuse and inspire a future where secondhand is second nature. We supply our stores with gently-used, one-of-a-kind items that have been donated by the community to local nonprofit organizations. We purchase these items directly from our nonprofit partners, redirecting billions of pounds of used items away from landfills and on to our store racks and shelves for reuse, and providing our partners with valuable funding for their community-based programs and services. You'll often hear us say that we are "Thrift Proud." It's the millions of loyal customers who visit our 300+ stores and our more than 22,000 team members that make it possible. Learn more about the Savers® family of thrift stores, our impact, and the #ThriftProud movement at savers.com.
Our brands are Savers (in the U.S.), 2nd Ave (in the U.S.), Value Village (in the U.S. and Canada), Unique (in the U.S.), Village des Valeurs (in Quebec) and Savers Australia.
Summary & Positions:
At Savers / Value Village our Retail Store Associates create an awesome experience for our Customers, Donors and other Team Members. We are hiring for both Full Time and Part Time Retail Store Associates.
What you can expect:
  • The opportunity to celebrate uniqueness. We are made up of people from many different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, all with something special to contribute.
  • To work in a purpose-driven company, with a business model that people love for our impact on both the planet and local communities.
  • An investment in the career path interests of our people. With our aggressive store expansion plans, we recognize the importance of the continued growth and development of our team members.

What you get:
Comprehensive onboarding and training from day one. In-house expertise! Our training department/Savers University develops and delivers robust training to every team member across our organization - from new hires to senior executives. We develop around 90% of our training internally, and partner with a variety of renowned providers to supplement our offerings.
Savers is an E-Verify employer
12211 Veirs Mill Road, Silver Spring, MD 20906

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