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Recycling Associate Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Inspects donated and purchased goods to distinguish quality, identifying items appropriate for the sales floor, recycling, and online sales. * Identify and price items within the guidelines of the ...

Inspects donated and purchased goods to distinguish quality, identifying items appropriate for the sales floor, recycling, and online sales. * Identify and price items within the guidelines of the ...

Inspects donated and purchased goods to distinguish quality, identifying items appropriate for the sales floor, recycling, and online sales. * Identify and price items within the guidelines of the ...

Inspects donated and purchased goods to distinguish quality, identifying items appropriate for the sales floor, recycling, and online sales. * Identify and price items within the guidelines of the ...

... recycling, underground construction, and mining industries. POSITION FUNCTION: The Service Manager ... Associate degree in Applied Science, Diesel Mechanics, Diesel Technology, or related field, and 7 ...

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Recycling Associate information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$7

$14

$26

How much do recycling associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling associate in Springfield, MO is $14.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.26 and $15.72 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 Springfield, MO?

The most popular types of Recycling jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What are popular job titles related to Recycling Associate jobs in Springfield, MO?

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

What job categories do people searching Recycling Associate jobs in Springfield, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Recycling Associate jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Recycling Associate jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Recycling Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Recycling Associate job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,548 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Retail Processor

MERS Goodwill

Springfield, MO • On-site

$15.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


MERS Goodwill rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

184th of 781 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Required Travel: 0% 
Position Type: Hourly Full-Time  
Hourly Rate: $15.50
Bonus Potential: Up to $250/month 

MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries is looking for an energetic, self-motivated, and professional Retail Processor to join our Springfield Store - Kansas Parkway team! The ideal candidate will support our mission, "Changing Lives Through the Power of Work!" and embody our core values of diversity, integrity, passion, professionalism, respect, and responsibility.

If you're seeking an opportunity that empowers you to achieve new goals while pursuing a mission-driven career, then this is the perfect fit for you.

Qualifications
  • No degree is required. High School Diploma/GED Preferred. 
  • The ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, customers, and management.
  • Must be organized and capable of interacting with a diverse work population.
  • Necessary math skills include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Primary Duties/Responsibilities
  • Handles all donations with care and respect.
  • Sorts donated goods and purchased goods into categories:  sales floor, seasonal, online sales, outlet, and trash, according to established guidelines.
  • Inspects donated and purchased goods to distinguish quality, identifying items appropriate for the sales floor, recycling, and online sales.
  • Identify and price items within the guidelines of the AMI pricing software.
  • Maintains high quality and high quantity standards while working quickly and steadily.
  • Stocks straighten, rotate, and maintain the cleanliness of the entire store area efficiently and to standard.
  • Provide positive customer service interactions, including greetings, assistance, and thanks, to in-person customers, donors, and those over the phone. Upholds store cleanliness standards by sweeping, dusting, mopping, and shining surfaces.
  • Establishes and maintains positive and professional relationships with team members and leadership and works cross-functionally with other teams to increase communication.
  • Utilizes safe work practices through awareness and observation and contributes to ensuring the workplace is hazard-free by removing obstructions and keeping aisles and designated walkways debris-free.
  • Maintain a professional appearance always, adhering to MERS/Goodwill's dress code.
  • Safeguards agency assets, including cash, donated items, and purchased items, from harm, damage, or theft. Reports any incidents of theft or unauthorized possession of agency assets.
  • Must adhere to all MERS/Goodwill policies, Goodwill Retail procedures, and safety and security regulations.
  • All other duties as assigned.
Benefits
  • Monthly Bonus up to $250.00
  • Individual and family medical benefits for full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week.
  • Individual and family dental and vision benefits on the first of the month following the hire date for employees working 20 or more hours week.
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance on the first of the month following the hire date for employees working 20 or more hours per week.
  • 403(B) Retirement on date of hire for employees working 20 or more hours per week.
  • 403(B) Retirement + Employer Match after one year of employment for employees working 20 or more hours per week.
  • 401(A) Retirement on date of hire for employees working 20 or more hours per week.
  • PTO Accrual up to 15 days based on hours worked.
  • Employee store discount
  • Paid holidays
  • Flexible Schedules
  • Career Growth Opportunities

MERS Missouri Goodwill is an equal-opportunity employer.  MERS Goodwill does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.


MERS Missouri Goodwill requires various background and records checks upon employment.


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