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Recycling Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details Job Title UK Recycling Intern Requisition Number DU14981 Department Name 3CP20:Phys Plt-Recycling Operations Work Location Lexington, KY Salary Range $15.55 Type of Position Student ...

Posting Details Job Title UK Recycling Intern Requisition Number DU14981 Department Name 3CP20:Phys Plt-Recycling Operations Work Location Lexington, KY Salary Range $15.55 Type of Position Student ...

Investigate opportunities for organic recycling. Prepare and present public presentations as assigned. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent. Note: These examples are intended only as ...

Warehouse Intern

Portland, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

SA Recycling, a world leader in the metals recycling and processing industry, is actively looking ... As a Warehouse Intern you will be working in our E-Scrap building sorting and removing individual ...

Warehouse Intern

Portland, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

SA Recycling, a world leader in the metals recycling and processing industry, is actively looking ... As a Warehouse Intern you will be working in our E-Scrap building sorting and removing individual ...

AI Intern- Recycling

Irving, TX · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

At CMC, it's the people inside our recycling centers, fabrication plants, manufacturing facilities, steel mills and offices that make us who we are as a company. Our success comes from finding ...

AI Intern- Recycling

Irving, TX · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

At CMC, it's the people inside our recycling centers, fabrication plants, manufacturing facilities, steel mills and offices that make us who we are as a company. Our success comes from finding ...

Supply Chain Strategy Intern

South Paris, ME · On-site

$16.75 - $22.75/hr

Nucor is North America's largest recycler and most diversified steel and steel products company ... DJJ, a division of Nucor Corporation, is seeking applicants for our Supply Chain Strategy Intern ...

R&D Intern

Middlefield, OH

$15.25 - $20/hr

... recycled water process * 27% reduction in greenhouse emissions (versus 2010) * -54% water ... Desire to complete a summer intern experience and prepare for future growth in the R&D field.

R&D Intern

Middlefield, OH · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

... recycled water process * 27% reduction in greenhouse emissions (versus 2010) * -54% water ... Desire to complete a summer intern experience and prepare for future growth in the R&D field.

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Recycling Intern information

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How much do recycling intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a recycling intern do?

A Recycling Intern typically assists with managing and improving recycling programs within an organization or community. Their responsibilities may include educating others about proper recycling practices, collecting and sorting recyclables, monitoring waste streams, and helping develop sustainability initiatives. They often collaborate with staff and volunteers to increase recycling rates, analyze data, and promote environmental awareness. This role provides hands-on experience in environmental science, sustainability, and waste management.

What types of projects or tasks can a recycling intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Recycling Intern, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on projects such as conducting waste audits, assisting with educational campaigns, and supporting the implementation of recycling initiatives on site. You'll often collaborate with facilities staff, sustainability teams, and sometimes external vendors to help improve recycling rates and reduce contamination. This role provides valuable exposure to environmental compliance, data collection, and community engagement, offering a strong foundation for a future career in sustainability or environmental management.

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

To thrive as a Recycling Intern, you typically need basic knowledge of environmental science or sustainability, strong organizational skills, and enrollment in or completion of a relevant academic program. Familiarity with data collection tools, recycling management systems, and Microsoft Office is often required, along with any specific certifications in environmental practices being a plus. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help interns effectively engage with stakeholders and promote recycling initiatives. These skills and qualities are crucial for supporting sustainability goals, ensuring compliance, and driving successful recycling programs within organizations.

What is the difference between Recycling Intern vs Recycling Technician?

AspectRecycling InternRecycling Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or currently enrolled in related fieldHigh school diploma; technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often educational or entry-levelHands-on, operational environment at recycling facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies for training and developmentFull-time role in waste management and recycling companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The main difference between a Recycling Intern and a Recycling Technician lies in experience and responsibilities. Interns are typically students gaining introductory exposure, while technicians perform hands-on operational tasks. Both roles are essential in the recycling industry, but they differ in scope, experience level, and job duties.

Are recycling intern jobs in demand?

Recycling intern jobs are generally in moderate demand as organizations seek environmentally conscious interns to support waste management and sustainability initiatives. These positions often require basic knowledge of environmental practices and may be available seasonally or part-time, depending on the organization’s needs.

Is recycling a good career path?

Recycling can be a viable career path for those interested in environmental sustainability, waste management, and resource conservation. Roles such as Recycling Interns often involve learning about waste sorting, environmental policies, and sustainability practices, which can lead to further opportunities in environmental services or policy development.
More about Recycling Intern jobs

What cities are hiring for Recycling Intern jobs?

Cities with the most Recycling Intern job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Recycling jobs?

The most popular types of Recycling jobs are:

What states have the most Recycling Intern jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Recycling Intern job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Internship, 1% As Needed, 48% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.

UK Recycling Intern

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

$15.55/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

313th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Job Title UK Recycling Intern Requisition Number DU14981 Department Name 3CP20:Phys Plt-Recycling Operations Work Location Lexington, KY Salary Range $15.55 Type of Position Student Position Time Status Part-Time Required Education
HS
Required Related Experience
0
Required License/Registration/Certification
N/A
Physical Requirements
This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing.
Shift
8:00 - 5:00
Job Summary
UK Recycling is seeking a motivated student to assist with zero-waste initiatives that will help to achieve UK's goal of becoming a zero-waste campus by 2030. The Recycling Intern will choose to focus on one of three diversion methods for their internship project (Reduction & Reuse, Composting, or Recycling) as well as which functional area their project focuses on (Operations, Administration, or Education & Outreach).
Key Responsibilities:
  • Work with campus-wide stakeholders to improve and expand recycling, reuse, and composting operations.
  • Assist with campus outreach and education efforts such as tabling, the Pop-Up Thrift Shop, and America Recycles Day.
  • Evaluate data to understand the University's zero-waste progress and opportunities for growth.
  • Research diversion opportunities, such as new recycling partners and reusable product alternatives.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No Preferred Education/Experience Deadline to Apply 08/14/2026 Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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About University of Kentucky

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The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865