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Recycling Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clean Harbors

Operator Oil Recycling

Rollinsford, NH · On-site

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

We are looking for an enthusiastic Oil Recycling Operator to join our tight nit group in Rollinsford, NH team! This is a labor-intensive role with an opportunity to learn various areas. You will be ...

Western Midstream

Recycle Operator

Carlsbad, NM · On-site

$11.50 - $14.25/hr

The Recycle Operator assists in the daily operation of water recycling systems by performing ... Perform daily visual inspections of water recycling facilities and report abnormal conditions to ...

Western Midstream

Recycle Operator

Carlsbad, NM · On-site

$11.50 - $14.25/hr

The Recycle Operator assists in the daily operation of water recycling systems by performing ... Perform daily visual inspections of water recycling facilities and report abnormal conditions to ...

MOTREX Co. Ltd

Recycling Smelter Operator

Muncie, IN · On-site

$23.58/hr

A Recycling Smelter Operator generally is responsible to operate a piece of equipment or perform tasks at the direction of the supervisor. The Operator also may work with a senior operator to carry ...

Element Resources

Recycling Smelter Operator

Muncie, IN · On-site

$23.58/hr

A Recycling Smelter Operator generally is responsible to operate a piece of equipment or perform tasks at the direction of the supervisor. The Operator also may work with a senior operator to carry ...

Element Resources

Recycling Smelter Operator

Muncie, IN · On-site

$23.58/hr

A Recycling Smelter Operator generally is responsible to operate a piece of equipment or perform tasks at the direction of the supervisor. The Operator also may work with a senior operator to carry ...

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 ... Adhere to standard operating procedures and follow mandated guidelines for operating and ...

Ashley Global Retail, LLC

Recycling

Brandon, FL · On-site

Operating a baler to compact and bundle recyclable materials such as cardboard and plastic into ... Recycling principle * Work independently as well as in a team environment * Maintain ...

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Recycling Operator information

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$14

$23

$33

How much do recycling operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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What cities are hiring for Recycling Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Recycling Operator job openings:

What states have the most Recycling Operator jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Recycling Operator jobs?

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

Recycling Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recycling Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Operator Oil Recycling

Rollinsford, NH • On-site

Clean Harbors
Environmental Consulting Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Clean Harborsexternal

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life

Re-posted 16 days ago

Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


We are looking for an enthusiastic Oil Recycling Operator to join our tight nit group in Rollinsford, NH team! This is a labor-intensive role with an opportunity to learn various areas. You will be loading and offloading tankers, sampling, and changing out pump strainers and/or inline filters.
Wage: $28-32hr DOE
***GENEROUS SIGN ON BONUS for 6/8/26 or 6/15/26 start dates***
Why work for Clean Harbors?
  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5
  • Health, Dental and Life Insurance after 30 days of active employment
  • Company paid certifications, licenses and training
  • Competitive hourly wages with opportunity for overtime
  • Positive and safe work environments

Responsibilities
  • Ensures Health and Safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes and acting in a safe manner at all times
  • Samples process streams and assists with tank farm operations
  • Gauges all process tanks every hour
  • Completes tank transfers to control inventory
  • Obtains routine process samples to verify product quality
  • Switches and changes process filters
  • Assists other operators
  • Completes housekeeping tasks within the refinery
  • Loads and unloads tanks

Qualifications
What does it take to work at Safety-Kleen a Clean Harbors Company?
  • HS Diploma or Equivalent
  • 1-3 Manufacturing or Plant experience preferred
  • Mechanically inclined/troubleshooting experience is a plus!
  • Previous years of refinery operations experience is an asset
  • Previous forklift experience preferred
  • Lift up to 50lbs, climb, stoop, bend etc.
  • Must be able to work night shift and every other weekend

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.
Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.
Clean Harbors is a Military & Veteran friendly company.
Please be advised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support certain stages of the recruitment process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making.
Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
*CH
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About Clean Harbors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Clean Harbors is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Its customer base spans a number of industries, including chemical, and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Norwell, MA, US

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