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Recycling Processor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Warehouse Recycling Processor, you'll help keep our distribution center sustainable by recycling Styrofoam, cardboard, plastic, wood and metal. In this role, you'll oversee key processing tasks ...

As a Warehouse Recycling Processor, you'll help keep our distribution center sustainable by recycling Styrofoam, cardboard, plastic, wood and metal. In this role, you'll oversee key processing tasks ...

As a Warehouse Recycling Processor, you'll help keep our distribution center sustainable by recycling Styrofoam, cardboard, plastic, wood and metal. In this role, you'll oversee key processing tasks ...

Warehouse Recycling Processor

Saint Peters, MO · On-site

$18.70 - $22.25/hr

As a Warehouse Recycling Processor, you'll help keep our distribution center sustainable by recycling Styrofoam, cardboard, plastic, wood and metal. In this role, you'll oversee key processing tasks ...

As a Warehouse Recycling Processor, you'll help keep our distribution center sustainable by recycling Styrofoam, cardboard, plastic, wood and metal. In this role, you'll oversee key processing tasks ...

As a Warehouse Recycling Processor, you'll help keep our distribution center sustainable by recycling Styrofoam, cardboard, plastic, wood and metal. In this role, you'll oversee key processing tasks ...

Warehouse Recycling Processor

Polk City, FL · On-site

$18.90 - $22.40/hr

As a Warehouse Recycling Processor, you'll help keep our distribution center sustainable by recycling Styrofoam, cardboard, plastic, wood and metal. In this role, you'll oversee key processing tasks ...

Maintain logs of recycling materials received or shipped to processing companies. * Creates or manages recycling operations budgets. * Implement grant-funded projects, monitoring and reporting ...

Maintain logs of recycling materials received or shipped to processing companies. * Creates or manages recycling operations budgets. * Implement grant-funded projects, monitoring and reporting ...

As an MRF Sorter, you will play a vital role in the recycling process by identifying and separating different materials, ensuring efficiency and quality in waste recovery. This is a hands-on role in ...

As an MRF Sorter, you will play a vital role in the recycling process by identifying and separating different materials, ensuring efficiency and quality in waste recovery. This is a hands-on role in ...

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Recycling Processor information

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How much do recycling processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling processor in the United States is $16.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Recycling Processors?

Recycling Processors are workers responsible for sorting, cleaning, and processing recyclable materials such as paper, plastics, metals, and glass. They operate machinery that separates and prepares these materials for reuse or shipment to recycling facilities. Their work helps reduce landfill waste and conserves natural resources by ensuring that items are properly recycled. Recycling Processors must follow safety guidelines, identify non-recyclable items, and sometimes perform light maintenance on equipment. They play a vital role in the recycling supply chain and environmental sustainability.

What are the most common challenges faced by Recycling Processors, and how can they be managed on the job?

Recycling Processors often encounter challenges such as sorting contaminated or improperly separated materials, operating heavy machinery safely, and maintaining production efficiency during busy periods. To manage these issues, it's important to follow safety protocols, stay updated on proper sorting techniques, and communicate effectively with team members. Many facilities also provide regular training and support, making it easier for new hires to adapt and succeed in the role.

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

To thrive as a Recycling Processor, you need attention to detail, physical stamina, and a basic understanding of material sorting and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with conveyor systems, balers, forklifts, and safety equipment is typically required, along with any necessary safety certifications. Reliability, teamwork, and strong communication are important soft skills for maintaining workflow and safety in a fast-paced environment. These skills ensure efficient processing, workplace safety, and the successful diversion of recyclable materials from landfills.

How much money can you make with recycling?

Recycling processors typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the specific materials handled. Some positions may offer additional benefits or overtime pay, and knowledge of sorting and processing equipment can improve earning potential.

What is the difference between Recycling Processor vs Recycling Technician?

AspectRecycling ProcessorRecycling Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may require certifications in safety or machineryHigh school diploma; certifications in equipment operation or safety often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, recycling plants, processing facilitiesRecycling centers, processing plants, field sites
Job DutiesSorting, processing, and preparing recyclable materials for shipmentMaintaining equipment, troubleshooting, and assisting in processing tasks

Recycling Processors focus on sorting and preparing recyclable materials, while Recycling Technicians often handle equipment maintenance and troubleshooting. Both roles work in recycling facilities and may require similar certifications, but their daily tasks differ slightly, with Processors more involved in material handling and Technicians in equipment upkeep.

Infographic showing various Recycling Processor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,822 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Recycling Processor - Part Time

Kearney, City of (NE)

Kearney, NE

$17.11/hr

Part-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description First review of applications on May 21, 2026. Under close supervision, sort and process recyclables, and operate noncomplex equipment and machinery incidental to manual labor tasks. Follow instructions; procedures are well defined; may make suggestions for work improvement.

Essential Functions Sort recyclables; assemble metal or plastic refuse and recycling containers, may occasionally operate equipment in the recycling operation including skid steer loaders, balers, grinders, forklifts, and crushers; may pick up recycled material using a pickup and trailer; check and perform minor servicing to recycling equipment; perform building and ground maintenance to include, but not limited to, litter pickup, lawn mowing, cleaning, sweeping and mopping of floors; complete work orders; perform overtime as required; and perform other duties as assigned. SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS: None. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials and the public.

(Daily) Regular timely/punctual attendance. (Daily) Maintain and safely operate equipment. (Daily) Perform assigned tasks properly and efficiently.

(Daily) Handle solid waste properly and safely. (Daily) PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Work Type: Intermediate, exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Climbing/Balancing: Climb inclines, uneven surfaces, balance required Walking/Running: Moderate amount of walking Stooping/Bending: Frequent Stand/Sit: Sit about 10% of the time Reaching: Continuous, overhead 10% of the time, horizontal 90% of the time Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions Color Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions Hearing: Seldom perceive nature of sounds by ear Speech: Seldom express ideas by means of spoken words Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Minimal, able to walk, push carts and work levers Manual Dexterity: Minimal, able to use shovels, rakes, brooms, clutch and levers ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Inside/Outside: Primarily work inside Cold/Heat: Primarily controlled Wet/Dry: Primarily controlled Noise/Vibrations: Heavy packer and truck noise Hazards: Exposure to traffic safety and dump areas Fumes/Dust/Odors: Exposure to dust, garbage odors and minimum exposure to fumes Infectious Diseases: Moderate exposure MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Ability to listen and apply information and instructions.

Qualifications MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of eighth grade and experience in manual labor work. Valid Nebraska Driver's License or ability to secure adequate transportation to and from work. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS: None.