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Recycling Sorting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Recycling Center Attendant LOCATION: Santa Barbara/Goleta FLSA EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Non ... Manual sorting of materials before loading into baler. Basic understanding of baling operation.

New

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 ...

Diesel Mechanic

Mammoth Lakes, CA · On-site

$38 - $40/hr

... and recycling sorting systems. • Inspect vehicles and equipment for proper operating condition, fluid levels, differentials, final drives, pump drives, hubs, and other critical components. • ...

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 ...

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 ...

Be Seen First

Inbound * Unloading * Sorting * Dismantle around hard drives * Short products and materials ... Recycle Electronics ​ Qualifications: * Experience in general labor, picking, Shorting ...

Be Seen First

Inbound * Unloading * Sorting * Dismantle around hard drives * Short products and materials ... Recycle Electronics ​ Qualifications: * Experience in general labor, picking, Shorting ...

General Labor

Fresno, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

SA Recycling is one of the largest scrap metal recyclers in the United States. We are growing ... Material handling / sorting - pushing, pulling, picking, lifting, carrying, and filling up hoppers ...

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Recycling Sorting information

See California salary details

$9

$14

$18

How much do recycling sorting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Recycling Sorting job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,373 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Recycling Specialist

Careers - HomeRise

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$27.42/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description:UNION | JOB DESCRIPTIONJANITOR | RECYCLING SPECIALIST - VARYING SITESPay Rate: $27.42 per hour

WHO WE ARE


HomeRise believes that home has the power to stabilize a person’s life. Built on a simple - but powerful idea called supportive housing, we provide people experiencing homelessness with a place to call home combined with support services, like mental health services and job training, so they can rise up and transform their lives. We organize our residents and supporters to advocate for local and state policies, like affordable housing, to help people still on the streets or at risk of homelessness. Together, we’re building a new future for our neighborhoods and the city we love.


BENEFITS


HomeRise provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including: 100% employer-paid employee healthcare options (Kaiser or Sutter), dental, vision, life & disability insurance; FSA for childcare, medical and commuter expenses; a 403(b) retirement investment plan with employer match; Employee Assistance Program; paid on-the-job training, career advancement within a growing organization and professional development opportunities with an annual Education Benefit that includes paid time off. We also include PTO (2 weeks accrued for the first 12 months and 3 weeks accrual from 13-36 months of continuous service); 14 paid holidays with one floating day for your birthday, and of course, sick time accrual. Other advantages of working for us are: Employee Referral Program, our HERO Award recognizing outstanding performance in the line of duty, sabbatical leave after 5 years of service, and a 45-minute paid lunch period per shift.


POSITION OVERVIEW


The Janitor-Recycling Specialist 1 or 2 is primarily responsible for maintaining the trash recycling as mandated by the City of San Francisco. The Recycling Specialist will work at four different properties in the HomeRise portfolio to ensure the outgoing trash is properly sorted into compost, recycling and trash bins or totes. The Recycling Specialist, working with the property Maintenance Supervisor will adhere to the current trash pick-up schedule with San Francisco Recology in placing the bins/totes in the designated area for pick-up. Once the trash has been properly disposed, the Recycling Specialist will return the bins/totes to the trash servicing area located within each property. Cleanliness standards at each work location will be maintained by the Recycling Specialist with the assistance of the regular property janitorial staff. The Janitor-Recycling Specialist 2 reports to the Maintenance Supervisor.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Follow specific safety procedures, current PPE policies and special instructions as it relates to trash sorting provided by the Maintenance Supervisor and/or the Facilities Director.
  • Report any significant safety concerns or physical plant problems to the property’s Maintenance Supervisor.
  • Perform all trash recycling duties as assigned by the Maintenance Supervisor.
  • Trash and Recycling – Empty full garbage collecting bins and /or plastic compactor bags following the City of San Francisco’s recycling procedures, i.e. compost in green totes, recyclables in blue totes/dumpsters, and plastic bags, wrappers etc., in black totes/dumpsters.
  • Maintain cleanliness of the trash room; sweeping up all debris from the recycling process.
  • Clear debris or obstacles, such as cardboard, Styrofoam and placing such items in the proper receptacle.
  • Clean up spills and ensure general cleanliness of the recycling areas, including hallways, and parking lots.
  • 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 training program
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Office is required.
  • Candidates must have a demonstrated ability to work independently, be self-starter, self-motivated, and the ability to interact with staff, residents and visitors with professionalism and respect.
  • The position requires the successful candidate to adhere to an ongoing cleanliness program for each building and to completely follow through with assigned tasks.
  • Qualified individuals must have strong interest in doing social justice advocacy.
  • Sensitivity to the issues of homelessness and recovery, and ability to work with people from diverse educational and personal backgrounds.
  • Valid phone number required.

POSITION DETAIL

  • Location: Varying Site Locations, primarily in the Tenderloin Neighborhood of San Francisco
  • Status: Full-Time / Non-Exempt
  • Pay Rate: $27.42 per hour
  • Schedule: Monday through Friday | 8 am to 4 pm
  • Union: This position is under the collective bargaining agreement with SEIU 1021
  • Reports to: Maintenance Supervisor

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT


The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, stand, talk or hear; walk; and use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand, climb stairs, ladders, or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Along with walking, reaching, carrying, etc.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. This job requires an employee to work in hazardous environments i.e.: exposed to unpleasant and noxious fumes and odors, contact with sharp objects and hypodermic needles. Also subjected but not limited to; (Forceful use of the neck/shoulder, elbow/wrist, and low back. Repetitive motions of the neck/shoulder, elbow/wrist, low back, knee and foot. Awkward postures if the neck/shoulder, elbow/wrist, low back, and knee. Static postures of the low back and knee. Contact stress in the knee(s). Pushing on and pulling, operating hand/mechanical tools. Lifting, carrying, and lowering of weighed objects.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The candidate must be in good physical condition which do not require reasonable accommodations other than providing adequate PPE to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in the property trash rooms, garages and outside with regular exposure to water, soaps, cleaning products, noise, fumes or airborne particles, working in all weather conditions. The incumbent is occasionally exposed to wet, humid conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration.

This position requires strenuous physical work. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, as well as depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts. The employee occasionally works in precarious places. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. Ability to work in an environment in which the job is performed, especially any unique conditions outside a normal office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud.


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. HomeRise is an Equal Opportunity Employer without regard to people formerly experiencing homelessness, race, color, creed, gender, gender expression, gender identity, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breast feeding, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, age, veteran status, national origin or ancestry, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical condition including genetic characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. HomeRise hiring policies require a background check for all applicants working directly with at-risk populations.

Requirements: