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How much do recycling center jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling center in the United States is $16.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a recycling center do?

A Recycling Center is a facility where recyclable materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal are collected, sorted, and processed so they can be reused in new products. These centers help reduce waste sent to landfills, conserve natural resources, and minimize environmental pollution. Workers at recycling centers often operate machinery, separate materials, and ensure that items are properly prepared for recycling companies or manufacturers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recycling center worker?

To thrive as a Recycling Center Worker, you need knowledge of recycling processes, safe handling of materials, and basic physical fitness, usually with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with sorting machinery, forklifts, and safety equipment is often required, along with relevant certifications like OSHA safety training. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help workers efficiently sort materials and maintain a safe environment. These abilities ensure the effective processing of recyclables, worker safety, and compliance with environmental regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working at a recycling center, and how are they addressed?

Employees at recycling centers often encounter challenges such as sorting contaminated materials, handling heavy or bulky items, and working in noisy or fast-paced environments. To address these, most centers provide thorough training in material identification, safety protocols, and the use of protective equipment like gloves and ear protection. Teamwork is essential, as staff frequently collaborate to keep the workflow efficient and safe. Additionally, ongoing communication with supervisors helps identify areas for process improvement and ensures that any safety concerns are promptly addressed.

What is the difference between Recycling Center vs Recycling Technician?

AspectRecycling CenterRecycling Technician
CredentialsMay require general safety training, certifications varyOften requires specific certifications or training in waste management
Work EnvironmentFacility-based, handling various recyclable materialsField or facility-based, operating machinery and sorting recyclables
Employer & Industry UsageRecycling facilities, waste management companiesRecycling plants, waste management services
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding recycling facilities and their functionsJob roles involved in recycling processes

Recycling centers are facilities where recyclable materials are collected and processed, often managed by waste management companies. Recycling technicians are workers within these centers or plants who handle sorting, operating machinery, and ensuring proper recycling procedures. While both roles are part of the recycling industry, recycling technicians have specific skills and certifications related to waste processing, making them a distinct job function within the recycling center environment.

Is recycling a good career path?

Recycling center jobs can be a stable career option for those interested in environmental work and waste management. These roles often require physical work and knowledge of safety procedures, with opportunities for advancement and certifications in waste handling or environmental regulations.
More about Recycling Center jobs

What cities are hiring for Recycling Center jobs?

Cities with the most Recycling Center job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Recycling Center jobs?

The most popular types of Recycling Center jobs are:

What states have the most Recycling Center jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Recycling Center jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Recycling Center jobs are:

Recycling Center jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recycling Center job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,094 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Recycling Center Attendant

City of Springfield (MO)

Springfield, MO

$34K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

City Of Springfield (Missouri) rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

545th of 855 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Description We are actively seeking a Recycling Center Attendant at the Lone Pine Recycling Center. This role performs a variety of customer service and manual labor tasks associated with the operation of the city's recycling drop-off centers. The Lone Pine Recycling Center is crucial to Springfield and its surrounding community for yardwaste recycling needs.

For more information on the Lone Pine Recycling Center, click here. And for information on benefits, click here. Qualifications and Requirements Experience, Education, and Training Typically requires one year of experience in recycling, grounds, and/or facility maintenance work with an emphasis on public contact.

PREFERRED Customer service experience. Licensing/Certification If operating vehicle in the completion of job duties, must possess a valid Driver's License. Functions For more information regarding this position, please review the job description by clicking here.

Other Requirements The City of Springfield promotes equal employment opportunities to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Individuals with disabilities who believe they will need an accommodation to undergo any part of the interview, examination, or pre-employment process, should request a reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to the testing or appointment.

Requests should be requested by contacting City of Springfield Human Resources by phone, 417-864-1607, or in person at the Municipal Busch Building, 840 Boonville Ave. Springfield, MO 65802. Proof of United States Citizenship/Authorization to Work in the United States as established by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 is a condition of employment.

We are committed to a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug testing is required. All interested candidates MUST complete the City of Springfield on-line application in its entirety.

The candidate profile must include all employment history with accurate and complete information prior to submission. Resumes alone will not be accepted as the application, but they may be submitted as supplemental documentation.

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