ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Recycling Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Recology

Mechanic Assistant (Recycling Plant)

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $24.50/hr

Recology Sonoma Marin THE ROLE OF A MECHANIC ASSISTANT - Recycling Plant & Building Maintenance Swing Shift: 2PM - 10:30PM w/rotating Saturdays Under direct supervision, supports the servicing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRecycling Plant Jobs

Recycling Plant information

See salary details

$13

$22

$39

How much do recycling plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling plant in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working in a recycling plant, and how are they typically addressed?

Employees in a recycling plant often encounter challenges such as ensuring proper sorting of materials, maintaining safety standards around heavy machinery, and dealing with fluctuating material volumes. Teams typically address these challenges through thorough training, clear safety protocols, and the use of personal protective equipment. Regular communication and collaboration with supervisors and maintenance staff play a crucial role in resolving issues quickly and maintaining an efficient workflow. Additionally, many plants foster a team-oriented environment to support continuous improvement and on-the-job learning.

What does a recycling plant do?

A recycling plant is a facility where used materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal are collected, sorted, cleaned, and processed so they can be reused in manufacturing new products. The main goal of a recycling plant is to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and minimize environmental impact by diverting recyclable materials from landfills. Recycling plants use various machines and manual labor to separate and prepare materials for reuse or resale to manufacturers.

Is recycling a good career path?

A career in recycling at a recycling plant involves working with waste processing, sorting, and environmental management. It can offer stable employment, opportunities for skill development, and contributes to sustainability efforts, often requiring safety training and physical stamina.

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

To thrive as a Recycling Plant Worker, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to safety procedures, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with sorting and baling machinery, conveyor systems, and sometimes forklift certification are typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and adaptability help individuals stand out in this fast-paced environment. These skills and qualities ensure the efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible operation of recycling processes.
More about Recycling Plant jobs
What cities are hiring for Recycling Plant jobs? Cities with the most Recycling Plant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Recycling Plant jobs? The most popular types of Recycling Plant jobs are:
What states have the most Recycling Plant jobs? States with the most job openings for Recycling Plant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Recycling Plant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Recycling Plant jobs are:
Recycling Plant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recycling Plant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Contract, and 20% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Recycling Plant Operator

Waste Connections

Hutchinson, KS • On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago

Waste Connections rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 264 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 90 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Stutzman Recycle, a Waste Connections company, is currently searching for a recycling plant operator in South Hutchinson, Kansas.
Pay: $19 with overtime
Hours: Monday - Friday 5 am - 3:30 pm.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Operate plant equipment
  • Safely use and operate conveyers, bailers, and forklift.
  • Ensure that incoming garbage loads are safe and do not contain any inappropriate material.
  • Shipping and receiving responsibilities.
  • Performs full clerical and general office duties as needed.
  • Assisting with office duties, filing and paperwork as needed.
  • Ensuring that customers and employees conduct all business in a safe manner and wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Providing general upkeep of the Plant.
  • Ability to work in a team environment and demonstrate a high degree of tact, discretion and diplomacy.

Job Requirements
  • Experience operating similar equipment.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Ability to multi-task.
  • Reliability and punctuality is a must.

To be considered for any of our current openings you must complete an application at www.wasteconnections.com . Application information and additional instructions can be found once you select your position of interest.
We offer excellent benefits including: medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, long term & short term disability, life insurance, 401K retirement and unlimited opportunities to "Connect with Your Future".
Waste Connections is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability or protected veteran status.

What Waste Connections employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply