1

Recycling Material Sorter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Recycling Sorter

Seville, OH

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

Sorters are responsible to ensure unacceptable materials are removed from recycling so that recyclable materials are acceptable for sale to mills or brokers. Sorter Laborers may be exposed to ...

Recycling Sorter

Seville, OH

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

Sorters are responsible to ensure unacceptable materials are removed from recycling so that recyclable materials are acceptable for sale to mills or brokers. Sorter Laborers may be exposed to ...

Recycling Sorter

Seville, OH · On-site

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

Sorters are responsible to ensure unacceptable materials are removed from recycling so that recyclable materials are acceptable for sale to mills or brokers. Sorter Laborers may be exposed to ...

Sorter

Clifton Park, NY · On-site

$17 - $18.50/hr

Sorter Position The Sorter is responsible for sorting through recycled materials that come into the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) as they move along the conveyor belt, inspecting items, and ...

Sorter

Clifton Park, NY · On-site

$17 - $18.50/hr

Sorter Position The Sorter is responsible for sorting through recycled materials that come into the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) as they move along the conveyor belt, inspecting items, and ...

Be Seen First

Metal Sorter

Austin, TX · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

The Metal Sorter will play a crucial role in the sorting process within our facility, ensuring that ... Sort materials based on type, size, and condition, ensuring proper categorization for recycling or ...

Recycling Center Sorter

Mooresville, NC · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

POSITION SUMMARY: The Sorter is responsible for safely and efficiently processing incoming ... Sort and segregate recoverable materials (e.g., aluminum, plastic, glass, paper, etc.) from ...

Recycling Center Sorter

Mooresville, NC · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

POSITION SUMMARY: The Sorter is responsible for safely and efficiently processing incoming ... Sort and segregate recoverable materials (e.g., aluminum, plastic, glass, paper, etc.) from ...

Sorter

Austin, TX · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

The recycling Sorter works in a fast-paced warehouse setting, separating recyclable materials on a conveyor line to ensure proper sorting and quality standards. This role helps operation by removing ...

Sorter

Taylor, TX · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

The recycling Sorter works in a fast-paced warehouse setting, separating recyclable materials on a conveyor line to ensure proper sorting and quality standards. This role helps operation by removing ...

Showing results 41-60

Recycling Material Sorter information

See salary details

$9

$14

$18

How much do recycling material sorter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 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 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 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 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.

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.
More about Recycling Material Sorter jobs
What states have the most Recycling Material Sorter jobs? States with the most job openings for Recycling Material Sorter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Recycling Material Sorter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Recycling Material Sorter jobs are:
Infographic showing various Recycling Material Sorter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,776 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Recycling Sorters work as quality control line workers by hand sorting recyclable materials and trash from the recycling stream. Sorters are responsible to ensure unacceptable materials are removed from recycling so that recyclable materials are acceptable for sale to mills or brokers. Sorter Laborers may be exposed to unpleasant odors and sights and weather elements. The hours and physical demand may vary by location.

Responsibilities of Position:

  • Performs duties in a safe manner in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and company policies.
  • Ensures proper PPE is utilized, as well as compliance with Lock Out Tag Out procedures are adhered to consistently.
  • Inspects materials and sorts items or materials into designated areas according to type, size, condition, color, or paper grade.
  • Pulls contaminants out of paper or off of floor.
  • Performs cleaning duties related to plant equipment and general housekeeping.
  • Reports system problems immediately to management.
  • Maintains a clean and orderly work area and surrounding area.
  • Dumps boxes and containers of material into designated area(s).
  • Maintains an excellent attendance record and an excellent safety and work quality record.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills & Abilities Need for Position:

  • Ability to perform physical requirements of the job (prolonged physical exertions, including standing. reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying and climbing).
  • Exhibit the ability to distinguish between various recyclable materials.
  • Self-starter, aggressive work ethic and ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Safety conscious.
  • Good verbal communication skills to be able to communicate effectively and professionally with other personnel and management.
  • Ability to work in various conditions with exposure to weather elements.
  • Must be flexible to work any shift and/or to adjust shift when necessary.

Additional Working Conditions/Aspects:

  • Exposure to residential and commercial waste.
  • Ability to work flexible hours; expected to work nights and weekends as needed.
  • Ability to work overtime, weekends and/or holidays.
  • Legally eligible to work in the United States.
  • Must have a Valid driver’s license.
  • Must successfully complete pre-employment testing.
  • Must be able to read and speak the English language.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish a contract for employment and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.

Rumpke Waste and Recycling is committed to equality in all aspects of employment. It is Rumpke’s policy to provide equal opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or disability status.