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Recycling Employee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spelman College

Recycling Technician

Atlanta, GA

The Recycling Technician will also be responsible for the tasks described in detail below ... The employee is frequently required to: reach with hands and arms, and stoop for prolonged periods ...

Ashley Global Retail, LLC

Recycling

Brandon, FL · On-site

The recycling team is responsible for removing trash, cardboard, and foam materials to help ensure ... Employee Discount from 10% - 30% * Life/Disability Insurance * Flex Spending Account * 401K * Paid ...

Ashley Global Retail, LLC

Recycling

Brandon, FL · On-site

The recycling team is responsible for removing trash, cardboard, and foam materials to help ensure ... Employee Discount from 10% - 30% * Life/Disability Insurance * Flex Spending Account * 401K * Paid ...

Spelman College

Recycling Technician

Atlanta, GA · On-site

The Recycling Technician will also be responsible for the tasks described in detail below ... The employee is frequently required to: reach with hands and arms, and stoop for prolonged periods ...

LaborMax - Jefferson City, MO

Be Seen First

Recycling General Plant Employee

Jefferson City, MO · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Job Summary We are seeking dependable, hardworking General Recycling Plant Employee to support the daily operations of our recycling facility. This hands-on role is responsible for forklift operation ...

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University of Virginia

Recycling Worker

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Recycling Workers provide a high level of customer service to students, staff, and faculty through ... The employee will be exposed to varying temperatures. The job requires getting in/out of a vehicle ...

Mazza Recycling

Recycling Sorter

Neptune City, NJ · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Employee professional development We believe in providing training and development you need to grow your career with Mazza Recycling. Mazza Recycling is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We ...

Vonachen Group

Recycling Technician

Newbern, TN

$15/hr

Recycling Technician The Recyling Technician is responsible for maintaining high levels of customer ... This position will require an employee to operate a motorized pallet jack. * Be able to work in a ...

K&L Recycling

Recycling Center Manager

Crockett, TX · On-site

$46K - $58K/yr

Join K&L Recycling, Houston County Scrap as a Metal Recycling Facility Manager. Mission: K&L ... Approve employee timecards and paid time off (PPTO) in accordance with Company policy. * Conduct ...

K&L Recycling

Recycling Center Manager

Palestine, TX · On-site

$46K - $58K/yr

Join K&L Recycling, Anderson County Scrap as a Metal Recycling Facility Manager. Mission: K&L ... Approve employee timecards and paid time off (PPTO) in accordance with Company policy. * Conduct ...

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Recycling Employee information

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How much do recycling employee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling employee in the United States is $16.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recycling worker called?

A recycling worker is commonly called a recycling technician, waste management worker, or sanitation worker. These roles involve collecting, sorting, and processing recyclable materials, often requiring physical stamina and knowledge of safety procedures. Certifications in safety or waste management can enhance job prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Recycling Employee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recycling Employee, you need knowledge of waste management procedures, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with recycling machinery, sorting systems, and safety protocols is typically required, and on-the-job training or certifications in hazardous materials handling can be beneficial. Physical stamina, teamwork, and reliability are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible sorting and processing of recyclable materials.

What does a recycling employee do?

A recycling employee is responsible for sorting, processing, and handling recyclable materials such as paper, plastics, metals, and glass. Their duties may include collecting recyclables from homes or businesses, operating machinery to separate materials, and ensuring that items are properly prepared for reuse or resale. Recycling employees also help reduce waste by educating the public about recycling practices and maintaining a clean, safe work environment. Their work plays a crucial role in environmental conservation and resource management.

What are some common challenges Recycling Employees face in their daily work, and how can they be addressed?

Recycling Employees often encounter challenges such as sorting contaminated materials, working in noisy or fast-paced environments, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Addressing these issues involves staying vigilant with proper sorting techniques, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and communicating effectively with team members to ensure smooth workflow. Many facilities provide training and regular safety briefings to help employees manage these challenges and maintain a safe, efficient workplace.

What pays the most in recycling?

In recycling jobs, positions such as recycling plant supervisors or managers tend to have higher pay due to increased responsibilities. Additionally, roles involving specialized skills, such as hazardous waste handling or equipment operation, often offer higher wages. Experience, certifications, and the complexity of the recycling process can also influence salary levels for recycling employees.

What is the difference between Recycling Employee vs Recycling Technician?

AspectRecycling EmployeeRecycling Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalentHigh school diploma; some roles may require technical certifications
Work EnvironmentRecycling facilities, collection sitesRecycling plants, maintenance areas
Job ResponsibilitiesSorting recyclables, assisting with collectionOperating machinery, troubleshooting equipment
Employer & Industry UsageWaste management companies, recycling centersRecycling plants, manufacturing support

Recycling Employees typically handle sorting and assisting in collection, requiring basic skills and certifications. Recycling Technicians often operate and maintain recycling machinery, needing technical knowledge. Both roles are essential in waste management, but Recycling Technicians usually have more technical responsibilities and certifications.

What jobs involve recycling?

Recycling employees work in roles such as recycling technicians, sorters, and collection workers, responsible for collecting, sorting, and processing recyclable materials. These jobs often require knowledge of recycling procedures, safety protocols, and sometimes operating machinery like balers or compactors. They are typically found in waste management facilities, recycling centers, and municipal collection services.

What does a recycling attendant do?

A recycling attendant sorts, collects, and processes recyclable materials at recycling centers or facilities. They operate equipment, ensure safety procedures are followed, and may record data related to the materials handled. Attention to detail and knowledge of safety standards are important in this role.
More about Recycling Employee jobs
What cities are hiring for Recycling Employee jobs? Cities with the most Recycling Employee job openings:
What states have the most Recycling Employee jobs? States with the most job openings for Recycling Employee jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Recycling Employee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Recycling Employee jobs are:
Recycling Employee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recycling Employee job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,054 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Recycling General Plant Employee

Federal Recycling and Waste Solutions

Jefferson City, MO

$15.25 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Company Background

Federal Recycling is a leading independent recycling company with more than 100 years of experience helping customers build profitable, sustainable recycling and waste management operations. As part of Where Green is Going, we deliver innovative, forward-thinking recycling solutions that help our customers become leaders in environmental responsibility.

Job Summary

We are seeking dependable, hardworking General Plant Employees to support the daily operations of our recycling facility. This hands-on position is responsible for forklift operation, material handling, pallet processing, and general plant support. The ideal candidate is safety-focused, reliable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced industrial environment. This position is performed in a non-climate-controlled warehouse and recycling facility, requiring employees to work in varying temperatures, dust, noise, and other conditions typical of an industrial operation..

Responsibilities

Forklift & Material Handling

  • Safely operate sit-down forklifts, pallet jacks, and other powered industrial equipment.
  • Load, unload, move, and stage recyclable materials throughout the facility.
  • Transport materials between receiving areas, processing lines, storage areas, and shipping docks.
  • Stack and organize pallets while maintaining safe and efficient storage practices.

Pallet Operations

  • Inspect, sort, repair, and stage pallets for reuse or recycling.
  • Build and break down pallets as needed.
  • Assist with pallet inventory counts and material tracking.

General Plant Duties

  • Receive, inspect, and process incoming recyclable materials.
  • Assist with manual sorting, baling, compacting, and other production activities as needed.
  • Prepare outgoing shipments, including loading trucks and completing required documentation.
  • Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas following company housekeeping standards.
  • Assist with other plant duties as assigned to support daily operations.
Qualifications & Requirements
  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • One to two years of forklift experience in a warehouse, manufacturing, recycling, or other industrial environment preferred.
  • Valid forklift certification, or the ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
  • Ability to read and follow work instructions, safety procedures, and basic inventory documentation.
  • Strong attention to detail, dependability, and commitment to safety.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a physically demanding environment.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
  • Regularly lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift up to 75 pounds.
  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, and climbing on and off forklifts throughout the workday.
  • Work is performed in a non-climate-controlled warehouse and recycling facility with exposure to seasonal temperatures, dust, noise, and moving industrial equipment.
  • Must be comfortable working around forklifts, loaders, conveyors, and other heavy machinery.
  • Overtime and occasional weekend work may be required based on production needs.
Equal Opportunity Employer

Federal Recycling is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.