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Recycling Machine Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Weighmaster/Cashier

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$10.25 - $14/hr

SA Recycling offers: * Competitive Pay * Choice of 2 Medical plans, with Dental, Vision, and Life ... High school diploma or equivalent. * 2+ years' experience operating truck scales, preferably in a ...

Weighmaster/Cashier

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$10.75 - $14.75/hr

SA Recycling offers: * Competitive Pay * Choice of 2 Medical plans, with Dental, Vision, and Life ... High school diploma or equivalent. * 2+ years' experience operating truck scales, preferably in a ...

Monitor any change in machine performance to identify potential malfunctions & report to the ... We are a unique, 100-year-old family-owned company that transforms our recycled products into ...

Forklift Operator 3rd Shift

Humboldt, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Remove finished goods from machines. * Maintain neat, orderly, and safe stacks of stock in storage ... 100% recycled containerboard, with more than 10,000 highly-skilled, green-collar employees ...

Forklift Operator 3rd Shift

Humboldt, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Remove finished goods from machines. * Maintain neat, orderly, and safe stacks of stock in storage ... 100% recycled containerboard, with more than 10,000 highly-skilled, green-collar employees ...

Forklift Operator 3rd Shift

Humboldt, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Remove finished goods from machines. * Maintain neat, orderly, and safe stacks of stock in storage ... 100% recycled containerboard, with more than 10,000 highly-skilled, green-collar employees ...

Showing results 41-60

Recycling Machine Operator information

What does a recycling machine operator do?

A Recycling Machine Operator is responsible for operating machinery that sorts, processes, and prepares materials for recycling. They monitor equipment, ensure materials are processed correctly, and troubleshoot any issues that arise during operation. Operators may also perform routine maintenance on machines, keep records of operations, and follow safety procedures to ensure a safe working environment. Their role is crucial in helping reduce waste and support environmental sustainability.

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

Recycling Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected equipment malfunctions and ensuring the consistent quality of sorted materials. To address these issues, operators should stay vigilant with routine maintenance checks and promptly report irregularities to maintenance teams. Additionally, working efficiently within a team and following detailed safety protocols helps maintain productivity and a safe work environment. Continuous learning about new recycling technologies and processes can also help operators adapt to changes in the industry.

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

To thrive as a Recycling Machine Operator, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic mechanical aptitude, and experience with industrial machinery. Familiarity with conveyor systems, balers, shredders, and safety protocols is typically required, and OSHA certification can be beneficial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork skills make someone stand out in this position. These competencies ensure safe, efficient machine operation and help maintain productivity and compliance with environmental standards.

What is the difference between Recycling Machine Operator vs Recycling Technician?

AspectRecycling Machine OperatorRecycling Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; may require technical certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories, recycling plants, manufacturing facilitiesRecycling centers, waste management facilities, environmental sites
Job FocusOperating and maintaining recycling machineryInspecting, troubleshooting, and maintaining recycling systems
Common UsageUsed in manufacturing and processing plantsUsed in environmental and waste management sectors

The main difference between a Recycling Machine Operator and a Recycling Technician lies in their focus. The operator primarily runs and maintains recycling machinery, while the technician handles troubleshooting, repairs, and system inspections. Both roles are essential in recycling facilities, but they require different skill sets and responsibilities.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Recycling Machine Operator jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Recycling Machine Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Recycling Machine Operator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Weighmaster/Cashier

SA Recycling

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$10.25 - $14/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago


SA Recycling rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 90 rated recycling and waste


Job description

We are looking for a hard-working, reliable, and safety minded individual to join our team as a Weighmaster/Cashier.  As a Weighmaster/Cashier you will be the primary point of contact with our customer and responsible for the accurate weighing, grading, and sorting of NF materials; and completing all required documentation and paperwork for the receipt and payment of materials received.   This is a fast-paced role, which requires excellent customer service, communications, and coordination skills.

This position will work inside and outside in varying weather conditions, and SA Recycling strictly adheres to all Metals Recycling Business Health, Safety, and Environmental standards.

SA Recycling offers:

  • Competitive Pay
  • Choice of 2 Medical plans, with Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • 401k with a Company Match
  • Weekly Pay
  • Referral Incentives
  • Company provided uniforms and PPE
  • Eligible for Safety and Profitability Bonuses

Responsibilities of a Weighmaster/Cashier

  • Accurately identify, sort, and weigh inbound NF materials.
  • Document NF material and customer information into ticketing system.
  • Provide customers with an accurate receipt of NF material delivered.
  • Educate, inform, and assist customers with required documentation for acceptance of scrap materials.
  • Assist customers with questions on pricing and types of materials accepted and maintain account contacts to promote continued business.
  • Process payments and keep accurate records of all transactions.
  • Complete and submit all required reports in accordance with company policies and procedures.
  • Perform basic housekeeping duties in the scale house and customer areas to maintain a safe and clean environment for all.
  • Perform general office duties.

        Qualifications of a Weighmaster

        • High school diploma or equivalent.
        • 2+ years’ experience operating truck scales, preferably in a scrap metal or similar industry.
        • Ability to develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with customers and co-workers.
        • Excellent phone etiquette and communication skills (both verbal and written).
        • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, good organizational and mathematical skills, basic negotiation skills, and the ability to multi-task.
        • Intermediate understanding of Microsoft Office, and the ability to learn industry specific software.
        • Bilingual (English & Spanish) language skills a plus.
        • Balance currency, coin, and checks in cash drawers at ends of shifts, and calculate daily transactions using computers, calculators, or adding machines.
        • Generates invoices, itemize lists and tickets showing amount due, verifying weights, prices, and extensions.
        • Record and verify cash amounts received from controllers and prepare reports for daily transactions.
        • Run tape for daily tickets paid out.
        • Pay out money after verifying numerical amounts agree.
        • Enter customers' transactions into computers records and issue computer-generated receipts.
        • Identify transaction errors.
        • Arrange monies received in cash boxes according to denomination.

        Physical Requirements 

        •  Work Environment: Office, Scale office, Scale outdoors
        • Equipment & Tools: Office equipment and PPE.
        • Physical Demand Level: Light to Moderate
        • Work Capacity: Weighmaster work capacity
        • Sensory Demands: Hearing, vision, smell, touch and taste
        • Hand Movements: Repetitive motions, keyboard

        PLEASE NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

        An offer of employment by SA Recycling is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a post-offer drug screen, physical exam, and background check with a credit check (if position specified). 

        All US applicants must be 18 years of age or older.


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