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Recycling Material Sorter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Padnos

Material Sorter

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

We tailor recycling programs for consumer and industrial clients throughout the United States ... Material Sorter Position Summary * Identify scrap, including the grade and type of material and any ...

PADNOS

Material Sorter

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

We tailor recycling programs for consumer and industrial clients throughout the United States ... Material Sorter Position Summary * Identify scrap, including the grade and type of material and any ...

padnos

Material Sorter

Turner, MI · On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

We tailor recycling programs for consumer and industrial clients throughout the United States ... Material Sorter Position Summary * Identify scrap, including the grade and type of material and any ...

JMI Resource

Sorter & Recycling Laborer

Fort Myers, FL

$14 - $14.35/hr

Warehouse Material Sorter. PAY: $14-14.35/per hour. HOURS: Mon-Fri (Occasional Saturdays) 6am-2 ... Sort recycled material from a conveyor belt at a recycling facility. Assist with cleaning of ...

Mazza Recycling

Recycling Sorter

Tinton Falls, NJ · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

The Recycling Sorter is responsible for ensuring proper placement and sorting recycled material on the conveyor line. The Recycling Sorter performs additional duties that directly contribute to the ...

Marathon Staffing

Material Sorter

Welton, IA · On-site

$10.75 - $13.50/hr

As a plastic goods sorter, you will play a crucial role in the production process, ensuring our ... Worker, Recycling Worker, Waste Management Worker, Construction Labor Helper, Demolition Worker ...

New

Marathon Staffing

Material Sorter

Ophiem, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

As a plastic goods sorter, you will play a crucial role in the production process, ensuring our ... Worker, Recycling Worker, Waste Management Worker, Construction Labor Helper, Demolition Worker ...

New

Marathon Staffing

Material Sorter

Davenport, IA · On-site

$11.25 - $14/hr

As a plastic goods sorter, you will play a crucial role in the production process, ensuring our ... Worker, Recycling Worker, Waste Management Worker, Construction Labor Helper, Demolition Worker ...

New

Marathon Staffing

Material Sorter

Rock Island, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

As a plastic goods sorter, you will play a crucial role in the production process, ensuring our ... Worker, Recycling Worker, Waste Management Worker, Construction Labor Helper, Demolition Worker ...

New

Marathon Staffing

Material Sorter

Aledo, IL · On-site

$11.50 - $14.50/hr

As a plastic goods sorter, you will play a crucial role in the production process, ensuring our ... Worker, Recycling Worker, Waste Management Worker, Construction Labor Helper, Demolition Worker ...

New

Marathon Staffing

Material Sorter

New Liberty, IA · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

As a plastic goods sorter, you will play a crucial role in the production process, ensuring our ... Worker, Recycling Worker, Waste Management Worker, Construction Labor Helper, Demolition Worker ...

New

Marathon Staffing

Material Sorter

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$12 - $15.25/hr

As a plastic goods sorter, you will play a crucial role in the production process, ensuring our ... Worker, Recycling Worker, Waste Management Worker, Construction Labor Helper, Demolition Worker ...

New

Marathon Staffing

Material Sorter

Illinois City, IL · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

As a plastic goods sorter, you will play a crucial role in the production process, ensuring our ... Worker, Recycling Worker, Waste Management Worker, Construction Labor Helper, Demolition Worker ...

New

Marathon Staffing

Material Sorter

Andover, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

As a plastic goods sorter, you will play a crucial role in the production process, ensuring our ... Worker, Recycling Worker, Waste Management Worker, Construction Labor Helper, Demolition Worker ...

New

Marathon Staffing

Material Sorter

De Witt, IA · On-site

$10.50 - $13.25/hr

As a plastic goods sorter, you will play a crucial role in the production process, ensuring our ... Worker, Recycling Worker, Waste Management Worker, Construction Labor Helper, Demolition Worker ...

New

Marathon Staffing

Material Sorter

Orion, IL · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

As a plastic goods sorter, you will play a crucial role in the production process, ensuring our ... Worker, Recycling Worker, Waste Management Worker, Construction Labor Helper, Demolition Worker ...

New

Marathon Staffing

Material Sorter

Viola, IL · On-site

$11.50 - $14.50/hr

As a plastic goods sorter, you will play a crucial role in the production process, ensuring our ... Worker, Recycling Worker, Waste Management Worker, Construction Labor Helper, Demolition Worker ...

New

Marathon Staffing

Material Sorter

Reynolds, IL · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

As a plastic goods sorter, you will play a crucial role in the production process, ensuring our ... Worker, Recycling Worker, Waste Management Worker, Construction Labor Helper, Demolition Worker ...

New

Marathon Staffing

Material Sorter

Milan, IL · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

As a plastic goods sorter, you will play a crucial role in the production process, ensuring our ... Worker, Recycling Worker, Waste Management Worker, Construction Labor Helper, Demolition Worker ...

New

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Recycling Material Sorter information

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How much do recycling material sorter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling material sorter in the United States is $14.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a recycling material sorter do?

A Recycling Material Sorter is responsible for separating and organizing recyclable materials such as paper, plastics, metals, and glass at recycling facilities. They manually or mechanically sort items on a conveyor belt to ensure that materials are properly categorized and contaminants are removed. This role is essential to ensure that recycling processes run efficiently and that materials are processed correctly for reuse or further processing. Sorters may also inspect materials for quality and report any issues to supervisors.

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

To thrive as a Recycling Material Sorter, you need attention to detail, physical stamina, and a basic understanding of recyclable materials, usually with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with conveyor belts, sorting machinery, and safety equipment is often required on the job. Reliability, teamwork, and the ability to stay focused during repetitive tasks are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and accurate separation of materials, contributing to effective recycling operations and environmental sustainability.

What are some common challenges faced by recycling material sorters, and how can they be managed on the job?

Recycling Material Sorters often work in fast-paced environments where they must quickly and accurately separate different types of recyclable materials. One common challenge is distinguishing between materials that look similar but must be sorted differently, which requires attention to detail and ongoing learning. Additionally, the job can involve repetitive motion and exposure to dust or noise, so using proper protective equipment and following safety protocols is crucial. Teamwork and clear communication with supervisors and coworkers also help to ensure efficiency and safety throughout the sorting process.

What is the difference between Recycling Material Sorter vs Material Recovery Facility (MRF) Worker?

AspectRecycling Material SorterMaterial Recovery Facility (MRF) Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety training
Work EnvironmentIndoor recycling facilities, sorting linesIndoor MRFs, conveyor belts, sorting stations
Industry UsageWaste management, recycling companiesWaste management, recycling plants
Job FocusSorting recyclable materials manually or mechanicallySorting, inspecting, and processing recyclables

The Recycling Material Sorter and Material Recovery Facility (MRF) Worker roles share similar credentials and work environments, both focusing on sorting recyclables in waste management facilities. The main difference lies in the scope: recyclers typically focus on manual sorting tasks, while MRF workers may oversee larger processing systems. Both roles are essential in recycling operations and often overlap in daily tasks.

Is a recycling material sorter job a good fit for me?

A recycling material sorter job involves separating recyclable materials from waste, often requiring physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a noisy environment. It typically involves standing for long periods and handling potentially hazardous materials, so physical fitness and safety awareness are important. This role is suitable for individuals who are detail-oriented, able to work in a team, and comfortable with manual labor.
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What states have the most Recycling Material Sorter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Recycling Material Sorter jobs include:

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For Recycling Material Sorter jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Recycling Material Sorter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recycling Material Sorter job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,776 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Material Sorter

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

Padnos
Recyclable Material Wholesalers • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Padnosexternal

$13 - $16.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 19 hours ago

Padnos rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 92 rated recycling and waste

Job description

PADNOS is a full-service recycling company handling paper, plastic, metals and electronic recycling. We tailor recycling programs for consumer and industrial clients throughout the United States. PADNOS was founded over a century ago and continues to transform the recycling industry. The company has thrived as a family business through four generations and has grown to be a market leader and best in class innovator.
Material Sorter Position Summary
  • Identify scrap, including the grade and type of material and any undesirable elements within the material.
  • Operate manual processing equipment. Sort/segregate recoverable materials (i.e. metal, paper and plastic) from waste; upgrading whenever possible.
  • Maintain cleanliness of the recycling facility and remove any hazards from the area.
  • May occasionally assist by operating hi-lo.

Schedule
  • Monday - Friday, an occasional Saturday
  • 10:00am - 7:30pm

Material Sorter Qualifications
  • Must have stable job history
  • Ability to operate sorting and processing equipment
  • Basic computer and data entry skills
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a fast pace environment
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Demonstrated safety consciousness

PADNOS has a rich history of taking care of our Team Members, their families and the multiple communities we serve. We invest in our Team Members and offer the following benefits:
  • Competitive Wage
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • 100% Tuition reimbursement for Team Members
  • 75% Tuition Reimbursement for dependents
  • First Time Home Buying Assistance
  • 401K Match and Profit Sharing
  • Performance Driven Bonuses

Be a part of the green movement and join PADNOS today!
PADNOS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, weight, height, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, genetic medical information, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Be a part of the green movement and join PADNOS today!
PADNOS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, weight, height, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, genetic medical information, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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