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Recycling Loader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SA Recycling

Front-End Loader Operator

Massillon, OH · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Front-End Loader (Wheel Loader) Operator SA Recycling, a world leader in the metals recycling and processing industry, is actively looking for a dependable and experienced individual to join our team ...

SA Recycling

Front-End Loader Operator

Massillon, OH · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

SA Recycling, a world leader in the metals recycling and processing industry, is actively looking for a dependable and experienced individual to join our team as a Front-End Loader (Wheel Loader ...

SA Recycling

Front-End Loader Operator

Massillon, OH

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

SA Recycling, a world leader in the metals recycling and processing industry, is actively looking for a dependable and experienced individual to join our team as a Front-End Loader (Wheel Loader ...

Imprimis Group

Recycling and Forklift Operator

Dallas, TX · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Inspect recycling loads and remove contamination or incorrectly sorted material. * Sort recyclable materials into designated categories. * Load recyclable materials into balers and other processing ...

Imprimis

Recycling and Forklift Operator

Dallas, TX · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Inspect recycling loads and remove contamination or incorrectly sorted material. * Sort recyclable materials into designated categories. * Load recyclable materials into balers and other processing ...

Radius Recycling

Loader Operator

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Loader Operator The Loader Operator will contribute to the production team to ensure goals are met ... Radius Recycling participates in e-verify for all U.S. new hires. An offer of U.S. employment by ...

JMI Resource

Be Seen First

Front-End Loader Operator - Recycling Center ($18.50/hr)

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$18.50/hr

We are currently seeking an experienced Front-End Loader Operator to join our team at a busy recycling facility in Gainesville, FL . This is a hands-on position where sorting materials on the line is ...

Quad

Recycling Technician

Westampton, NJ · On-site

$16 - $22.50/hr

Gather, load and unload materials through lifting and/or Power Industrial Vehicles * Operate recycling machinery to effectively process materials * Sort and assign appropriate recycling grade to ...

Quad

Recycling Technician

Westampton, NJ

$16 - $22.50/hr

Gather, load and unload materials through lifting and/or Power Industrial Vehicles * Operate recycling machinery to effectively process materials * Sort and assign appropriate recycling grade to ...

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Recycling Loader information

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How much do recycling loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling loader in the United States is $19.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges recycling loaders face on the job and how can they be managed?

Recycling Loaders often encounter challenges such as handling heavy or awkward materials, working outdoors in various weather conditions, and maintaining a fast pace to meet collection schedules. To manage these challenges, it's important to use proper lifting techniques, wear appropriate protective gear, and stay hydrated throughout the shift. Additionally, teamwork and clear communication with drivers and other crew members help ensure safe and efficient collection while reducing the risk of injury.

What is a recycling loader?

Recycling loaders are workers responsible for collecting, sorting, and loading recyclable materials onto trucks for transport to recycling facilities. They may work as part of a team, often riding on collection vehicles and manually handling bins or bags of recyclables. This job requires physical stamina, attention to safety, and knowledge of what materials can be recycled. Recycling loaders help reduce waste sent to landfills and support environmental sustainability by ensuring materials are properly sorted and processed.

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

To thrive as a Recycling Loader, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of waste management, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, hydraulic lifting equipment, and sometimes a commercial driver's license (CDL) are typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and strong communication skills help individuals excel in coordinating with crew members and following safety guidelines. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure efficient collection, proper sorting, and safe handling of recyclables in a physically demanding environment.

What is the difference between Recycling Loader vs Waste Collector?

AspectRecycling LoaderWaste Collector
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety trainingHigh school diploma, safety training
Work EnvironmentRecycling facilities, trucksResidential/commercial areas, trucks
Industry UsageRecycling plants, waste managementMunicipal waste services, waste collection

Recycling Loaders and Waste Collectors both require safety training and work in waste management environments. Recycling Loaders focus on sorting and loading recyclable materials at recycling facilities, while Waste Collectors primarily collect general waste from residential and commercial areas. Although their roles overlap in waste handling, their specific tasks and work settings differ, making each role essential in waste management systems.

More about Recycling Loader jobs

What cities are hiring for Recycling Loader jobs?

Cities with the most Recycling Loader job openings:

What states have the most Recycling Loader jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Recycling Loader jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Recycling Loader jobs are:

Recycling Loader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recycling Loader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,188 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

DRIVER/LOADER - RECYCLING (FULL TIME)

City of Richardson, TX

Richardson, TX • On-site

$44K - $61K/yr

Other

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Click here for job description
DRIVER/LOADER - Public Services - Solid Waste Services
JOB SUMMARY:
Under general supervision, drive and operate a rear load vehicle in the collection of residential refuse, brush and bulky items and/or recyclable material. Work in a small crew to collect, load, transport, and dispose of refuse, garbage, recycling, and brush. Perform other related work as required.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Drive and operate a rear load vehicle for the collection of residential refuse, brush and bulky items, and/or recyclable material on assigned collection routes. Load refuse, recycling, and brush by hand and share loading responsibilities with co-workers. Safely operate, care for, and maintain acceptable appearance of assigned vehicles and equipment including washing, servicing, and performing preventative maintenance checks. Use good judgment to work safely and use equipment properly. Communicate courteously and effectively orally with customers, other City employees, supervisors, and officials. Hear clearly to work safely when working around equipment and in traffic. Read written instructions accurately. Maintain written records on loads to transfer station, materials recovery facility (MRF), and on the preventive maintenance checklist. As needed, train, instruct, and ensure temporary workers understand and practice basic safety procedures while working on or near refuse/recycling vehicles. Work both day and evening hours as needed.
Physical Job Functions:
• Lift and/or carry up to 100 pounds;
• Regularly pull, push and/or drag up to 150 pounds of refuse, recycling, brush, and various discarded materials, including large/bulky items such as furniture.
• Requires constant extensive walking, carrying, dragging, holding, pulling, pushing, lifting, kneeling, bending/twisting body, reaching, and squatting while performing collection of refuse, recycling, and/or brush.
• Perform physically strenuous duties in all weather conditions including heat, cold, temperature swings and in inclement weather.
Exposure to dust, fumes, loud noises, and mechanical hazards are routinely encountered in solid waste collection duties/operations, while using proper safety precautions.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
REQUIRED EDUCATION, DEGREES, CERTIFICATES, AND/OR LICENSES:
Completion of eleventh grade required. High School Diploma or GED preferred. Experience may be substituted for education requirements. Applicable Texas Commercial Learner's Permit is required within 1 month of hire. Texas Commercial Driver's License, Class B, is required within 6 months of hire.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:
One-year of experience preferred in driving dump/container body trucks. Experience preferred in refuse collection.
Physical Skills/Abilities:
• Possess ability to lift and/or carry up to 100 pounds;
• Possess ability to pull, push and/or drag up to 150 pounds of refuse and various discarded materials.
• Possess ability to climb, crawl, kneel, squat, stoop and/or bend freely when participating in refuse, recycling, and brush collection; and sit and/or stand for extended periods while collecting refuse, recycling, and/or brush.
• Possess ability to climb in and out of the cab of refuse truck numerous times per workday.
• Possess ability to step up and down from the rear step plate of the refuse/recycling truck up to several hundred times per workday.
• Must be able to maintain mental focus throughout all assigned activities.
• Must be able to effectively work independently and within a team environment.
Number of available positions: 1
Completion of eleventh grade required. High School Diploma or GED preferred. Applicable Texas Commercial Learner's Permit is required within 1 month of hire. Texas Commercial Driver's License, Class B, is required within 6 months of hire. Must be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds; pull, push and/or drag up to 150 pounds. Must be able to climb, crawl, squat, etc.
Code : 88-5
Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL
Location : SOLID WASTE RECYCLING
Group : NONEXEMPT
Job Family : SOLID WASTE - RECYCLING
Job Class : DRIVER/LOADER
Salary: $44,214.04-$61,513.92

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