1

Recycling Center Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Recycling Technician

Cypress, CA · On-site

$19 - $24.70/hr

Maintaining recycling center in a clean, well-organized manner avoiding clutter and potential fire hazards * Receiving, inspecting and verifying recyclable materials * Picking up and delivers ...

Recycling Technician

Cypress, CA · On-site

$19 - $24.70/hr

Maintaining recycling center in a clean, well-organized manner avoiding clutter and potential fire hazards * Receiving, inspecting and verifying recyclable materials * Picking up and delivers ...

Maintaining recycling center in a clean, well-organized manner avoiding clutter and potential fire hazards * Receiving, inspecting and verifying recyclable materials * Picking up and delivers ...

USA TJ Maxx Recycling Center 4121 Fairless Hills PA This position has a starting pay range of $15.95 to $20.35 per hour. Actual starting pay is determined by a number of factors, including relevant ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Recycling Center information

See salary details

$5

$16

$21

How much do recycling center jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Recycling Center Worker, and why are they important?

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.

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.
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:
Infographic showing various Recycling Center job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 74% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Nights. 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 Maintenance Technician

Republic Services

Manassas, VA • On-site

$23.75 - $31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Republic Services rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 535 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 71 rated recycling and waste


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Recycling Center Maintenance Technician performs repairs and maintenance on recycling equipment, compact heavy equipment and light trucks to maximize safe and productive operations. Typical repairs include, but are not limited to, routine maintenance and repair of hydraulic systems, recycling equipment (sorting screens, optical sorters, magnets, eddy currents, etc), electrical systems, balers, conveyor systems and compactors.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Diagnoses mechanical problems using chars, diagnostic software, technical manuals and expertise.
  • Performs repairs and maintenance on recycling equipment, compact heavy equipment and light trucks to maximize safe and productive operations. Typical repairs include, but are not limited to, route maintenance and repair of hydraulic systems, recycling equipment, transmissions, electrical systems, engines, balers, conveyor systems, and compactors.
  • Repairs or replaces parts as directed by a work order system. Completes field service reports in a work order system.
  • Overhauls or replaces machine components and replace worn items.
  • Communicates with supervisor and/or equipment operators for clarification of problems. May discuss preventive techniques with equipment users to minimize future repairs.
  • Independently troubleshoot and maintain complex electromechanical equipment.
  • Completes daily consumables report to record hours, fuel and oil usage, and provide information for input in Republic Services Dossier (Fleet Management Software) system.
  • Perform preventative maintenance according to standard schedules.
  • May maintain, repair and install plumbing, electrical, HVAC, odor systems, and negative pressure systems
  • Installs and sets up new equipment and communicate with vendors regarding maintenance schedules.
  • Reads, troubleshoots and programs simple PLC instructions to enhance plant monitoring and performance as requested by operations staff or to support maintenance objectives.
  • Follows all safety policies and procedures.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned or apparent.


QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Minimum of 1 year experience with building maintenance, HVAC, odor systems and negative pressure systems.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience working on equipment in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
  • Working knowledge of Tier 4 emission systems.
  • Welding and/or fabrication skills and/or experience.
  • PLC Programming experience.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Mechanical or trade school certificate.
  • Certificate in electronic diagnostics.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Minimum of 1 year of equipment maintenance and repair experience.

Rewarding Compensation and Benefits

Eligible employees can elect to participate in:
Comprehensive medical benefits coverage, dental plans and vision coverage.
Health care and dependent care spending accounts.
Short- and long-term disability.
Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment insurance.
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP).
Employee discount programs.
Retirement plan with a generous company match.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Benefits: https://jobs.republicservices.com/us/en/about-us/benefits

The statements used herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by an employee in this position, and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required by an incumbent so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

EEO STATEMENT:Republic Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, relationship or association with a protected veteran (spouses or other family members), genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) is a leader in the environmental services industry. We provide customers with the most complete set of products and services, including recycling, waste, special waste, hazardous waste and field services.Our industry-leading commitments to advance circularity and support decarbonization are helping deliver on our vision to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world.

In 2023, Republic's total company revenue was $14.9 billion, and adjusted EBITDA was $4.4 billion. We serve 13 million customers and operate more than 1,000 locations, including collection and transfer stations, recycling and polymer centers, treatment facilities, and landfills.

Although we operate across North America, the collection, recycling, treatment, or disposal of materials is a local business, and the dynamics and opportunities differ in each market we serve. By combining local operational management with standardized business practices, we drive greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational decisions at the local level, closest to the customer.

Our customers, including small businesses, major corporations and municipalities, want a partner with the expertise and capabilities to effectively manage their multiple recycling and waste streams. They choose Republic Services because we are committed to exceeding their expectations and helping them achieve their sustainability goals. Our 41,000 team members understand that it's not just what we do that matters, but how we do it.

Our company values guide our daily actions:

  • Safe: We protect the livelihoods of our colleagues and communities.

  • Committed to Serve: We go above and beyond to exceed our customers' expectations.

  • Environmentally Responsible:We take action to improve our environment.

  • Driven: We deliver results in the right way.

  • Human-Centered:We respect the dignity and unique potential of every person.

We are proud of our high employee engagement score of 86. We have an inclusive and diverse culture where every voice counts. In addition, our team positively impacted 4.6 million people in 2023 through the Republic Services Charitable Foundation and local community grants. These projects are designed to meet the specific needs of the communities we serve, with a focus on building sustainable neighborhoods.

STRATEGY

Republic Services' strategy is designed to generate profitable growth. Through acquisitions and industry advancements, we safely and sustainably manage our customers' multiple waste streams through a North American footprint of vertically integrated assets.

We focus on three areas of growth to meet the increasing needs of our customers: recycling and waste, environmental solutions and sustainability innovation.

With our integrated approach, strengthening our position in one area advances other areas of our business. For example, as we grow volume in recycling and waste, we collect additional material to bolster our circularity capabilities. And as we expand environmental solutions, we drive additional opportunities to provide these services to our existing recycling and waste customers.

Recycling and Waste

We continue to expand our recycling and waste business footprint throughout North America through organic growth and targeted acquisitions. The 13 million customers we serve and our more than 5 million pick-ups per day provide us with a distinct advantage. We aggregate materials at scale, unlocking new opportunities for advanced recycling. In addition, we are cross-selling new products and services to better meet our customers' specific needs.

Environmental Solutions

Our comprehensive environmental solutions capabilities help customers safely manage their most technical waste streams. We are expanding both our capabilities and our geographic footprint. We see strong growth opportunities for our offerings, including PFAS remediation, an increasing customer need.


SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATION

Republic's recent innovations to advance circularity and decarbonization demonstrate our unique ability to leverage sustainability as a platform for growth.

The Republic Services Polymer Center is the nation's first integrated plastics recycling facility. This innovative site processes rigid plastics from our recycling centers, producing recycled materials that promote true bottle-to-bottle circularity. We also formed Blue Polymers, a joint venture with Ravago, to develop facilities that will further process plastic material from our Polymer Centers to help meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging. We are building a network of Polymer Centers and Blue Polymer facilities across North America.

We continue to advance decarbonization at our landfills. As demand for renewable energy continues to grow, we have 70 landfill gas-to-energy projects in operation and plan to expand our portfolio to 115 projects by 2028.

RECENT RECOGNITION

  • Barron's 100 Most Sustainable Companies

  • CDP Discloser

  • Dow Jones Sustainability Indices

  • Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies

  • Fortune World's Most Admired Companies

  • Great Place to Work

  • Sustainability Yearbook S&P Global


What Republic Services employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom