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Recycling Factory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tesla

Recycling Associate, Semi

Sparks, NV · On-site

Transporting recyclables, scrap and trash throughout the factory, sort and segregate materials to maximize value * Operating heavy equipment including cardboard balers, pallet jacks, foam densifiers ...

Tesla

Recycling Associate, Semi, Powertrain

Sparks, NV · On-site

Transporting recyclables, scrap and trash throughout the factory, sort and segregate materials to maximize value * Operating heavy equipment including cardboard balers, pallet jacks, foam densifiers ...

Misti Pett

Smart Factory Operator

South Paris, ME · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Nucor is North America's largest recycler and most diversified steel and steel products company ... SUMMARY: The Smart Factory Operator I is responsible for operating and maintaining the Trumpf ...

Misti Pett

Smart Factory Operator

South Paris, ME · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Nucor is North America's largest recycler and most diversified steel and steel products company ... SUMMARY: The Smart Factory Operator I is responsible for operating and maintaining the Trumpf ...

Misti Pett

Smart Factory Operator I

South Paris, ME · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Nucor is North America's largest recycler and most diversified steel and steel products company ... SUMMARY: The Smart Factory Operator II is responsible for operating and maintaining the Trumpf ...

Misti Pett

Smart Factory Operator I

South Paris, ME · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Nucor is North America's largest recycler and most diversified steel and steel products company ... SUMMARY: The Smart Factory Operator II is responsible for operating and maintaining the Trumpf ...

Bally's Corporation

Cook - Prep Sugar Factory

Dover, DE · On-site

$17/hr

Must comply with the company's recycling program standards. * Ability to observe Sugar Factory recipes and standards in all kitchen areas. * Must be able to Saute, broil, roast, steam cook and make ...

USA Waste & Recycling

Diesel Mechanic

Wilbraham, MA · On-site

$24.75 - $32.75/hr

Why USA Waste & Recycling * $3000 sign-on bonus * Additional bonus potential * 401 (K), Roth, and Profit Sharing/Match Plans * CDL Factory Training - including Cummins, Labrie, Heil, and Peterbilt

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Recycling Factory information

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How much do recycling factory jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling factory in the United States is $15.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $15.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In a recycling factory, high-paying roles such as plant managers, operations supervisors, or specialized technicians can earn around $4,000 weekly, especially with experience and relevant skills. These positions often require leadership, technical knowledge, or certifications but do not necessarily require a college degree.

What type of recycling pays the most?

In recycling factories, jobs involving the sorting and processing of valuable materials like metals, especially aluminum and copper, tend to pay the highest wages. Skilled roles such as machine operators or supervisors also offer higher pay due to experience and technical requirements. Certifications in equipment operation can further increase earning potential.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working in a recycling factory, and how can they be addressed?

Employees in recycling factories often encounter challenges such as operating heavy machinery safely, managing exposure to dust or noise, and adapting to repetitive or physically demanding tasks. Effective training, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and adherence to safety protocols are essential for minimizing risks. Additionally, teamwork and clear communication with supervisors and colleagues help ensure smooth workflow and problem-solving on the job. Many factories also provide opportunities for skill development and advancement into supervisory roles for dedicated workers.

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

To thrive as a Recycling Factory Worker, you typically need a high school diploma, basic mechanical aptitude, and knowledge of health and safety procedures. Familiarity with conveyor belts, sorting machinery, balers, and sometimes forklift certification are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and reliability are essential soft skills for maintaining productivity and safety. These skills ensure efficient processing of materials, adherence to safety standards, and a well-functioning recycling operation.

What is a recycling factory?

A recycling factory is a facility where various types of waste materials, such as plastics, metals, paper, and glass, are collected, sorted, cleaned, and processed into raw materials that can be used to make new products. These factories play a crucial role in reducing landfill waste, conserving natural resources, and minimizing environmental pollution. Recycling factories often use specialized machinery to break down and repurpose discarded materials, ensuring that valuable resources are reused rather than wasted.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

In a recycling factory, roles such as manual sorting jobs are likely to decline due to automation and advanced sorting technologies like AI-powered systems. Positions involving repetitive tasks may be replaced by machines, while roles requiring complex decision-making and technical skills will continue to evolve. Workers may need to develop skills in operating and maintaining automated equipment to stay relevant.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In a recycling factory, high-paying roles such as plant managers or operations directors can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, bonuses, and profit sharing. These positions require strong leadership skills, industry knowledge, and often advanced certifications or degrees. Most entry-level or technical roles in recycling factories typically pay significantly less than this amount.

What is the difference between Recycling Factory vs Recycling Technician?

AspectRecycling FactoryRecycling Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require technical certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentFactory setting with machinery, conveyors, and processing equipmentOn-site at recycling facilities, operating and maintaining equipment
Industry UsageUsed to describe the facility or plant where recycling processes occurRefers to the individual performing recycling operations and maintenance

The Recycling Factory refers to the physical facility where recycling processes take place, involving machinery and processing lines. In contrast, a Recycling Technician is a worker responsible for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting equipment within the recycling facility. Both roles are essential in the recycling industry, but they focus on different aspects: one on the environment and infrastructure, the other on hands-on technical work.

More about Recycling Factory jobs
What states have the most Recycling Factory jobs? States with the most job openings for Recycling Factory jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Recycling Factory jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Recycling Factory jobs are:
Recycling Factory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recycling Factory job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,194 per year, or $15 per hour.
Recycling Factory Technician - Correctional (Recycling Factory Technician)

Recycling Factory Technician - Correctional (Recycling Factory Technician)

Department of Justice

Minersville, PA • On-site

$65K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.

Qualifications:

To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements.
Education:
GL-08 and GL-09: As a general rule, education is not credible above GS-5 for most positions covered by this standard; however, graduate education may be credited in those few instances where the graduate education is directly related to the work of the position.
OR
Experience:
GL-08 and GL-09: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. To be creditable, this experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position, and must typically be in or related to the position to be filled.
Some examples of this qualifying experience are:
GL-08:

  • Experience which demonstrates knowledge of recycling principles, concepts and methods and performing a variety of duties involving coordination, monitoring, or oversight of recycling programs, projects or activities.
  • Experience in training others on various recycling methods and associated equipment.
  • Experience in operating a tractor trailer truck to retrieve and deliver items from a warehouse.
  • Experience in preparing reports regarding organizational operations, internal controls and purchasing.

GL-09:

  • Experience which demonstrates knowledge of recycling principles, concepts and methods and performing a variety of duties involving coordination, monitoring, oversight or evaluation of recycling programs, projects or activities.
  • Experience in developing and implementing processes to test, dissemble, and sell electronic and computer equipment for recycling.
  • Experience in supervising and training others on various recycling methods and associated equipment.
  • Experience in preparing reports regarding recycling management, operations, and budgeting and purchasing within an industrial setting.

If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**

Education:

See Qualifications Section for education requirements, if applicable.

ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.

Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.

Employment Type: OTHER

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