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Recycling Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Caltech

Recycling Associate

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$23 - $27.25/hr

Recycling employees work together as a team to collect approximately (70) 3 cubic yard bins on set schedules. Responsible for sorting and processing recyclables collected from designated routes.

Caltech (California)

Recycling Associate

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$23 - $27.25/hr

Recycling employees work together as a team to collect approximately (70) 3 cubic yard bins on set schedules. Responsible for sorting and processing recyclables collected from designated routes.

Rehrig Pacific

Recycling Associate

Pottsville, PA

$19/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a dependable and safety-focused Recycle Associate to support the cleanliness, organization, and safety of our facility. This role plays a key part in maintaining ...

Rural King

Warehouse Recycling Associate

Waverly, OH · On-site

$13.75 - $16.25/hr

Associate Assistance Program * RK Cares Associate Hardship Program * 24/7 Chaplaincy Services Responsibilities WHAT YOU'LL DO As a Warehouse Recycling Associate, you will be responsible for ...

Raymour & Flanigan

Recycling Associate

Gibbstown, NJ · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

We pride ourselves on being a long term, privately held company that takes care of its associates ... Safely lift recycling products into the machinery. Raymour & Flanigan proudly supports a drug and ...

Rural King

Warehouse Recycling Associate

Waverly, OH

$13.75 - $16.25/hr

RK Cares Associate Hardship Program * 24/7 Chaplaincy Services WHAT YOU'LL DO As a Warehouse Recycling Associate, you will be responsible for supporting the efficient operation of recycling ...

Rural King

Warehouse Recycling Associate

Waverly, OH · On-site

$13.75 - $16.25/hr

Associate Assistance Program * RK Cares Associate Hardship Program * 24/7 Chaplaincy Services Responsibilities WHAT YOU'LL DO As a Warehouse Recycling Associate, you will be responsible for ...

Rural King

Warehouse Recycling Associate

Waverly, OH · On-site

$13.75 - $16.25/hr

Associate Assistance Program * RK Cares Associate Hardship Program * 24/7 Chaplaincy Services Responsibilities WHAT YOU'LL DO As a Warehouse Recycling Associate, you will be responsible for ...

Hunter Regional Healthcare

Recycling Associate

Gibbstown, NJ · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

We pride ourselves on being a long term, privately held company that takes care of its associates by recognizing each individual's potential and investing in their future success! Expectations:

Our Company

Warehouse Recycling Associate

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$16/hr

Rooms To Go Recycler Starting pay is $16.00 / hour or more based on experience. Earn an additional ... Plus medical, dental, vision and other benefits available for associates who want them Individual ...

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Recycling Associate information

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$7

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$29

How much do recycling associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling associate in the United States is $16.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.31 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.

More about Recycling Associate jobs

What cities are hiring for Recycling Associate jobs?

Cities with the most Recycling Associate job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Recycling jobs?

The most popular types of Recycling jobs are:

What states have the most Recycling Associate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Recycling Associate jobs include:

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The top searched job categories for Recycling Associate jobs are:

Recycling Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recycling Associate job openings in the United States 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 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,583 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Recycling Associate

Caltech

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$23 - $27.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.
Job Summary
Under the direction of an assigned Custodial Supervisor and Recycling Lead, provides recycling support to the campus, student housing, and faculty housing and campus events. Recycling employees work together as a team to collect approximately (70) 3 cubic yard bins on set schedules. Responsible for sorting and processing recyclables collected from designated routes. Responsible for cleaning and maintaining the Campus Recycling Yard and preparing recyclables for pickup by various contractors. Represents and communicates with the campus community regarding Recycling programs.
Essential Job Duties
In coordination with another recycling crew member, collect and sort recyclable materials collected from various campus locations.
Job duties include:
  • Operating heavy equipment and performing custodial cleaning tasks during the recycling down-time (Two hours, 5:00am-7:00am, Monday - Friday) or during inclement weather conditions.
  • Collects, sorts, and process recyclables contents from recycling bins throughout campus, student housing, and faculty housing.
  • Moves 3 cubic yard bins and 50-gallon containers from collection sites by hand or using equipment when necessary.
  • Operate equipment such as forklifts, hydraulic lift-gate truck, scout/fork-truck, baler, and pallet jack/hand trucks to move recycling materials from various locations to a centralized campus recycling yard.
  • Sorts CRV beverages/containers, collects mixed paper/recyclables stream, breaks-down cardboard boxes, bales cardboard, sorts wooden pallets, and prepares bins containing recyclables for pick-up by various recycling contractors.
  • Cleans recycling yard by sweeping, raking, picking up broken glass or loose paper debris, and moving 3-cubic yard bins.
  • Records logs of recycled materials, reports performance of various recycling sites, and monitors program performance.
  • Maintains effective communication with Custodial Supervisors, recycling team, and campus students and staff participating in the recycling program.
  • Inspects recycling collection equipment and submits repair requests to Custodial Supervisor or recycling contractors.
  • Handles special recycling projects such as lab decommissioning, by collecting and recycling co-mingled metals, when needed.
  • Assists with routine custodial operations, such as floor sweeping and mopping, vacuuming carpets, restroom cleaning, and trash disposal during recycling operations down-time (5:00am-7:00am), or as assigned.

Basic Qualifications
  • At least one year of related work experience in reclamation, waste management, recycling operations, or warehouse operations.
  • Ability to effectively communicate and follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Must possess a valid California Driver's license and maintain it throughout the course of employment. Must be eligible to drive Institute vehicles under the Institutes' Motor Vehicle Use policy and adhere to the policy.
  • Possess a forklift operator's certificate or be able to obtain one before employment begins and maintain it throughout the course of employment.
  • Adhere to safety protocols, including the proper use of equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE),
  • Ability to work outdoors, in all-weather conditions, and assigned work schedule (5:00am-1:30pm, Monday-Friday).

Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to lift, push, and pull 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
  • Ability to perform physical activities such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials

Required Documents
  • Resume

Hiring Range
$23.00 - $27.25 per hour
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.
Disability Accommodations
Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.
If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.
Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.

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