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Recycling Sorting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Careers - HomeRise

Recycling Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27.42/hr

Other duties only as it relates to recycling/trash sorting as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS * Qualified individuals will have prior experience with janitorial work and/or be certified through a janitorial ...

HomeRise

Recycling Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27.42/hr

Other duties only as it relates to recycling/trash sorting as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS * Qualified individuals will have prior experience with janitorial work and/or be certified through a janitorial ...

Augment

Recycling Sorter

Anaheim, CA

$18.05/hr

Augment is a leader in the sanitation and recycling industry, providing top-quality workforce ... of sorting equipment as needed. * Report any equipment malfunctions or safety concerns to ...

Caltech

Recycling Associate

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$23 - $27.25/hr

Responsible for sorting and processing recyclables collected from designated routes. Responsible for cleaning and maintaining the Campus Recycling Yard and preparing recyclables for pickup by various ...

Caltech (California)

Recycling Associate

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$23 - $27.25/hr

Responsible for sorting and processing recyclables collected from designated routes. Responsible for cleaning and maintaining the Campus Recycling Yard and preparing recyclables for pickup by various ...

City of St. Peters

$16.50 - $19/hr

We are seeking a diligent and reliable individual for the position of Recycling Sorter to join our team. This role involves contributing to the efficient sorting and processing of recyclable ...

SA Recycling

Laborer/Picker

Bakersfield, CA

$17/hr

In this role, you will be on the front lines of our metal recycling operation, manually sorting, grading, and processing various scrap metals. This is a physically demanding, fast-paced outdoor role ...

SA Recycling

Laborer/Picker

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$17/hr

In this role, you will be on the front lines of our metal recycling operation, manually sorting, grading, and processing various scrap metals. This is a physically demanding, fast-paced outdoor role ...

Insight Global

Recycling Technician

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

* Sifting and sorting through trash in a warehouse setting. * Break down boxes. * Identify and separate disposed materials in accordance with California State regulations and client's procedures.

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All JobsRecycling Sorting JobsRecycling Sorting Jobs in California

Recycling Sorting information

See California salary details

$9

$14

$18

How much do recycling sorting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling sorting in California is $14.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $16.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a recycling sorting worker do?

A Recycling Sorting worker is responsible for separating recyclable materials from non-recyclable waste at recycling facilities. They manually or mechanically sort items such as paper, plastics, metals, and glass into the correct bins or conveyor belts. This process ensures that only suitable materials are sent for recycling, helping reduce landfill waste and promote environmental sustainability. Workers must follow safety protocols and sometimes use specialized equipment to complete their tasks efficiently.

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

To thrive as a Recycling Sorting Worker, you need attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a basic understanding of recyclable materials, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with conveyor belt systems, sorting machinery, and safety protocols is typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under repetitive conditions are key soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safety, reducing contamination, and ensuring that recyclable materials are properly processed.

What are some common challenges faced by recycling sorting workers and how can they be addressed?

Recycling sorting workers often encounter challenges such as exposure to unpleasant odors, repetitive motions, and the need to quickly identify and separate various materials. To address these, facilities typically provide protective gear and ensure workstations are ergonomically designed. Effective communication with team members and ongoing training on material identification also help maintain safety and efficiency. Adapting to a fast-paced environment and staying vigilant are key to succeeding in this role.

What is the difference between Recycling Sorting vs Recycling Collection?

AspectRecycling SortingRecycling Collection
Primary ResponsibilitiesSorting recyclable materials at facilities to ensure proper processingCollecting recyclable materials from residential or commercial locations
Work EnvironmentRecycling plants or processing centersOn the road, at curbside or drop-off points
Required CertificationsMay require safety training, but generally no specialized certificationsLikewise, safety training; no specific certifications needed

Recycling Sorting involves processing and categorizing recyclables at facilities, while Recycling Collection focuses on gathering recyclables from various locations. Both roles are essential in the recycling industry but differ in daily tasks and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Recycling Sorting jobs in California?

For Recycling Sorting jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recycling Sorting jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Recycling Sorting jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Recycling Sorting jobs?

Cities in California with the most Recycling Sorting job openings:

Recycling Sorting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recycling Sorting job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,373 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

E-Waste Sorting Associate

San Diego, CA • On-site

Dream Electronic Recycling
See more jobs at Dream Electronic Recyclingexternal

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description


Position Summary

This is a hands-on, physically demanding position in a fast-paced electronic recycling operation. Work priorities may change throughout the day based on incoming electronics, scheduled pickups, available storage space, and operational needs.
The associate regularly moves between unloading, sorting, weighing, counting, inventorying, staging, and loading electronic equipment. This position is not primarily seated or performed in a climate-controlled office.
Essential Job Functions
  • Regularly lift, carry, push, pull, and reposition items weighing up to 50 pounds. Use team lifting or approved equipment for heavier or oversized items.
  • Load and unload electronics, pallets, containers, and recycling materials from customer and company vehicles.
  • Stand and walk for most of the workday.
  • Frequently bend, stoop, squat, reach, twist, grip, and perform repetitive physical movements.
  • Sort, count, weigh, label, and accurately record incoming electronic equipment.
  • Quickly transition between assignments as incoming material and operational priorities change.
  • Maintain productivity, accuracy, and safe work practices in a high-volume environment.
  • Work both indoors and outdoors in San Diego weather conditions, including sun, heat, cooler temperatures, wind, light rain, dust, and noise.
  • Wear required personal protective equipment and follow all safety, security, and material-handling procedures.
  • Maintain a clean and organized warehouse, yard, loading, and processing area.
  • Communicate clearly with supervisors and coworkers and promptly report damaged, unidentified, or potentially hazardous materials.
  • Maintain reliable attendance and arrive prepared to perform the essential duties of the position.


Qualifications

  • Strong attention to detail, particularly when counting, weighing, labeling, and inventorying customer materials.
  • Ability to follow instructions and safely adapt when assignments or priorities change.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-moving environment.
  • Warehouse, recycling, shipping, receiving, or material-handling experience is preferred but not required.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.