ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Recycling Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Augment

Recycling Sorter

Holland, MI

$18/hr

Augment is a leader in the sanitation and recycling industry, providing top-quality workforce solutions to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), landfills, and other waste management sites. We are ...

Beacon Recycling Inc

Heavy Equipment Operator

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

At Beacon Recycling , our Heavy Equipment Operators are the people who keep material flowing through our Grand Rapids facility. They operate material handlers, loaders, excavators, forklifts, skid ...

Republic Services

Recycling Sorter - 1st Shift

Holland, MI

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Communicate with equipment operators regarding incoming loads of special waste or other loads that ... Previous experience working in a Recycling Facility sorting recyclable materials. Rewarding ...

Republic Services

Recycling Sorter - 1st Shift

Holland, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Communicate with equipment operators regarding incoming loads of special waste or other loads that ... Previous experience working in a Recycling Facility sorting recyclable materials. Rewarding ...

Republic Services

Recycling Sorter - 1st Shift

Holland, MI

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Communicate with equipment operators regarding incoming loads of special waste or other loads that ... Previous experience working in a Recycling Facility sorting recyclable materials. Rewarding ...

padnos

Machine Operator - Nights

Wyoming, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

We tailor recycling programs for consumer and industrial clients throughout the United States ... Position Summary Our Machine Operators are responsible for safely operating and monitoring ...

Clean Tech Incorporated

Machine Operator

Dundee, MI

$20.25 - $40.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Monitor & operate plastic recycling equipment in a safe manner * Maintain processes and equipment ... Other duties as assigned To be an Operator, you'll need: * Experience in similar environments

Clean Tech Incorporated

Machine Operator

Dundee, MI · On-site

$20.25 - $40.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Monitor & operate plastic recycling equipment in a safe manner * Maintain processes and equipment ... Other duties as assigned To be an Operator, you'll need: * Experience in similar environments

padnos

Machine Operator

Grandville, MI

$15.25 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Our dedicated equipment operators / manufacturing machine operators are a critical piece of our ... We tailor recycling programs for consumer and industrial clients throughout the United States.

New

Padnos

Machine Operator

Grandville, MI · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Our dedicated equipment operators / manufacturing machine operators are a critical piece of our ... We tailor recycling programs for consumer and industrial clients throughout the United States.

New

Hamtramck Recycling

Be Seen First

Diesel/Heavy Machinery Fleet Mechanic

Hamtramck, MI · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... our recycling facility in the Detroit metro area. Our maintenance department plays a critical role in keeping our fleet and equipment operating safely, efficiently, and reliably every day. Apply ...

Republic Services

Operator

Stevensville, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Although we operate across North America, the collection, recycling, treatment, or disposal of materials is a local business, and the dynamics and opportunities differ in each market we serve. By ...

Republic Services

Operator

Stevensville, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Although we operate across North America, the collection, recycling, treatment, or disposal of materials is a local business, and the dynamics and opportunities differ in each market we serve. By ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRecycling Operator JobsRecycling Operator Jobs in Michigan

Recycling Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$20

$29

How much do recycling operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling operator in Michigan is $20.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $23.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Recycling Operator vs Waste Management Technician?

AspectRecycling OperatorWaste Management Technician
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA safety training, CDL may be preferredRequires OSHA safety training, possibly hazardous waste certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories, recycling plants, waste processing facilitiesLandfills, waste collection sites, treatment plants
Industry UsageRecycling centers, waste management companiesMunicipal waste departments, environmental services

Recycling Operators focus on sorting and processing recyclable materials in recycling facilities, while Waste Management Technicians handle waste collection, disposal, and environmental compliance. Both roles require safety training and are essential in waste management industries, but they differ in daily tasks and work environments.

What are some common challenges recycling operators face during their shifts and how can they be managed?

Recycling Operators often encounter challenges such as sorting contaminated materials, handling heavy machinery, and maintaining safety standards in a fast-paced environment. Managing these challenges requires attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and effective communication with team members. Operators are encouraged to stay updated on best practices for material sorting and equipment operation, and to participate in regular safety trainings offered by their employers. Teamwork and a proactive attitude can help address issues quickly and keep the recycling process running smoothly.

What is a recycling operator?

Recycling Operators are professionals responsible for sorting, processing, and managing recyclable materials at recycling facilities. Their duties include operating machinery, monitoring the recycling process, ensuring materials are correctly separated, and maintaining safety standards. They play a crucial role in reducing landfill waste by making sure that materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metals are properly recycled. Recycling Operators may also assist with maintenance of equipment and keep records of materials processed.

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

To thrive as a Recycling Operator, you need knowledge of waste management processes, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with sorting machinery, conveyor systems, and sometimes forklift operation certification is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong teamwork skills help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient recycling operations and contribute to environmental sustainability.

What are popular job titles related to Recycling Operator jobs in Michigan?

For Recycling Operator jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recycling Operator jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Recycling Operator jobs in Michigan are:

Recycling Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recycling Operator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,995 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Recycling Operator

Meridian Lightweight Technologies

Eaton Rapids, MI • On-site

$20 - $21.73/hr

Full-time

Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Company OverviewMeridian Lightweight Technologies is a global leader in lightweight manufacturing, dedicated to fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. Our commitment to employee empowerment and engagement ensures that every team member can achieve their full potential in an inclusive and collaborative environment.Job SummaryTo work within the Die Cast Department to efficiently and effectively set-up and operate equipment within a die cast cell to ensure a quality product is produced and delivered that consistently satisfies or exceeds our customer's expectation.Major responsibilities of positionUnload scrap from trailers and load bays using a skid steer loader.Monitor all pieces of equipment, such as scrap conveyor, skip hoist, melt furnace, transfer tube, refining furnace, delivery pump and ingot cast line.Be able to operate the recycle cell with-in process parameters and adjust as necessary to produce quality ingots.Dross furnaces every 2 hours.Perform metal analysis using a spectrometer.Education, experience, skillsHigh school diploma or equivalentPossess mechanical ability and be knowledgeable in the use of hand tools.Experience in die casting evironmentsWhy work for Meridian Lightweight Technologies?At Meridian Lightweight Technologies, you'll be part of a team that is shaping the future of lightweight automotive manufacturing. We combine advanced technology, innovation, and a commitment to excellence to deliver world-class solutions for leading automotive customers.Our employees work in a collaborative, safety-focused environment where their contributions matter, opportunities for growth are encouraged, and continuous improvement is part of our culture. If you're looking for a career where you can make an impact while working with cutting-edge manufacturing processes, Meridian is the place to build your future.Compensation and benefits 401(k) + 401(k) matchingDental + Vision insuranceEmployee assistance programEmployee/ partner discountsFlexible spending accountHealth + life insuranceHealth savings accountPaid time offProfessional development assistanceEmployee incentive programsRetirement planTuition reimbursementTHE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS.Offer will be dependent on background check and drug screen.