ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Recycling Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rural King

Director of Recycling

Mattoon, IL · On-site

At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We ... The company will oversee recycling of pallets, cardboard and plastic, with a goal to maximize the ...

Real Alloy

Recycling Team Associate

Morgantown, KY · On-site

$22.40/hr

Morgantown, KY - Real Alloy Recycling, LLC has an open position for an experienced and safety-focused Recycling Team Associate . The operation of various types of hands-on and mobile equipment is a ...

Real Alloy

Recycling Team Associate

Morgantown, KY · On-site

$22.40/hr

Morgantown, KY - Real Alloy Recycling, LLC has an open position for an experienced and safety-focused Recycling Team Associate . The operation of various types of hands-on and mobile equipment is a ...

Real Alloy

Recycling Team Associate

Morgantown, KY

$22.40/hr

Morgantown, KY - Real Alloy Recycling, LLC has an open position for an experienced and safety-focused Recycling Team Associate . The operation of various types of hands-on and mobile equipment is a ...

Rehrig Pacific Company

Recycle Associate

Pottsville, PA · On-site

$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 ...

Rehrig Pacific

Recycle 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 ...

Rehrig Pacific Company

Recycle Associate

Pottsville, PA · On-site

$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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRecycling Associate Jobs

Recycling Associate information

See salary details

$7

$16

$29

How much do recycling associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 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 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 are Recycling Associates?

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, and why are they important?

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.

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:
What job categories do people searching Recycling Associate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Recycling Associate jobs are:
Recycling Associate jobs near you
Outlet/ Recycle Associate

Outlet/ Recycle Associate

Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC

Conover, NC • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Use your skills to transform your local community. Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina offers numerous career opportunities with competitive pay, excellent benefits, and the reward of knowing your hard work is helping others.
WHY WORK FOR GOODWILL?
Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina, Inc. (Goodwill) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC. We employ more than 1,100 team members who are dedicated to our mission of providing employment and training services that help people find jobs and reach financial stability. With 52 retail stores, 20 career centers, and dozens of attended donation centers across a 31-county territory, Goodwill is a complex enterprise offering a wide range of career opportunities.
At Goodwill, the work we do makes a difference in the lives of the individuals we serve and, in turn, in the community in which we live. Our business operations provide stability to our organization that is not always enjoyed by nonprofit organizations solely funded by outside sources. Our employees enjoy excellent benefits and a unique work environment that is professional, fast paced, and fulfilling.
Our organization's values shape our culture and guide our interactions with program participants, customers, and each other. Our shared commitment to Living the Mission; Promoting Teamwork; Driving Improvement; Taking Responsibility for Actions and Behaviors; and Respecting and Appreciating Others is what makes us successful and inspires all that we do.
Want to learn more about Goodwill? Click on the links at the top of this page or go to: www.goodwillnwnc.org.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Our Retail Outlet/ Recycle Associates are team-oriented, friendly and innovative in solving customer concerns. They go the extra step in making customers feel at home in the store. We seek individuals who make work a priority and who enjoy meeting high expectations in a fast-paced environment.
Retail Outlet/ Recycle Associates will be responsible for the following duties:
  • Pricing and stocking donations.
  • Moving carts of goods in and out of sales area.
  • Operating cash register and bagging items.
  • Pulling items from sales floor, placing in carts/totes and moving to recycle area.
  • Inspecting bins in and out of the Outlet Store to ensure items are properly sorted.
  • Loading cardboard and textiles into baling machines.
  • Tightening bale wires.
  • Operating dump machine.
  • Filling out light paperwork and maintaining weight/item logs.
  • Using pallet jack or forklift (we train/license, but experience helpful) to move large bins and boxes and stack pallets.
  • May also require frequent lifting of moderately heavy items up to 35 lbs. Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs. (with assistance if over 50 lbs.)

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
EXPERIENCE: Cash register experience and ability to count cash required.
HOURS: Associates should be available to work most store hours, especially on evenings and weekends. Most stores are open M-Sat from 10am-8pm and open at 11am on Sundays.
PAY: $15.00
EOE. E-Verify Employer
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply