1

Recycling Employee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Paid time off & employee discounts * Opportunities to learn and advance Join a mission-driven company where hard work makes a difference. Apply today to join the Sensible Recycling team! Company ...

New

Be Seen First

Paid time off & employee discounts * Opportunities to learn and advance Join a mission-driven company where hard work makes a difference. Apply today to join the Sensible Recycling team! Company ...

New

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 ...

High school diploma or GED with 1-2 years of recycling experience in a company environment or ... The employee is frequently required to walk and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee ...

Recycle Tech

Columbus, OH · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

High school diploma or GED with 1-2 years of recycling experience in a company environment or ... The employee is frequently required to walk and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee ...

High school diploma or GED with 1-2 years of recycling experience in a company environment or ... The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. * The work environment ...

GMP Recycle Tech

Vandalia, OH · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

High school diploma or GED with 1-2 years of recycling experience in a company environment or ... The employee is frequently required to walk and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee ...

Showing results 21-40

Recycling Employee information

See salary details

$13

$16

$21

How much do recycling employee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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.

Is recycling a good career path?

Recycling employees play a key role in waste management and environmental conservation, often working in waste collection, sorting, or processing facilities. The job can offer stable employment with opportunities for advancement and may require physical stamina, safety training, and knowledge of recycling procedures. It is generally considered a meaningful career for those interested in sustainability and environmental impact.

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

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 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Recycling Employee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,054 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Coastal Waste & Recycling rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 90 rated recycling and waste


Job description

About Coastal Waste & Recycling
At Coastal Waste & Recycling, we're building more than a company, we're building a team. As one of the fastest-growing privately held waste and recycling companies in the Southeast, we're looking for people who take pride in their work, put safety first, and are ready to grow with us.
Give Waste a Second Life
Every day, our Recycling Specialists play an important role in protecting the environment by helping recover valuable recyclable materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill. If you're someone who enjoys staying active, working with a team, and making a positive impact in your community, we'd love to have you join Coastal Waste & Recycling.
As one of the fastest-growing privately held waste and recycling companies in the Southeast, we're proud to serve communities across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, and we're just getting started.
Your Role
As a Recycling Specialist, you'll help identify, separate, and recover recyclable materials while ensuring our recycling operations run safely and efficiently. Your attention to detail and commitment to safety help protect the environment and keep valuable materials in circulation.
What You'll Do
  • Sort recyclable materials such as cardboard, paper, plastics, metals, and glass from the recycling stream.
  • Inspect materials and remove contaminants to help ensure high-quality recycled products.
  • Safely operate around conveyor systems and recycling equipment while following all company safety procedures.
  • Keep work areas clean, organized, and free of safety hazards.
  • Monitor equipment and report maintenance or safety concerns to your supervisor.
  • Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and promote a culture of safety.
  • Follow all company policies, environmental regulations, and operational procedures.
  • At Coastal, we win as a team. Once your assigned work is complete, you'll jump in to assist your teammates or support other operational needs as directed by your supervisor. Working together is part of what makes us successful.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring
  • Strong work ethic and dependable attendance.
  • Ability to work safely in a fast-paced environment.
  • Attention to detail and ability to identify recyclable materials.
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills.
  • Previous recycling, warehouse, manufacturing, construction, or labor experience is helpful, but not required. We're happy to train the right candidate.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish or English/Creole) is a plus.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand for extended periods.
  • Frequently bend, twist, reach, lift, push, and pull throughout the workday.
  • Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying temperatures and environmental conditions.

Why Join Coastal?
At Coastal, every team member makes a difference. As a Recycling Specialist, you'll help keep recyclable materials out of landfills while supporting cleaner, more sustainable communities.
We Offer
  • Competitive Pay
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Paid Time Off & Holidays
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Career Growth & Advancement Opportunities
  • Safety-Focused Culture
  • Stable, Growing Company

Coastal Waste & Recycling is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

What Coastal Waste & Recycling employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom