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Recycling Sorting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Operations Labor

Orange, CA · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

... sorting - pushing, pulling, picking, lifting, carrying, and filling up hoppers, boxes, and conveyor ... with recycling equipment for processing metal product e.g. metal shears, band saw and wire ...

... and sorting of NF materials; and completing all required documentation and paperwork for the ... SA Recycling offers: * Competitive Pay * Choice of 2 Medical plans, with Dental, Vision, and Life ...

General Labor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

... sorting - pushing, pulling, picking, lifting, carrying, and filling up hoppers, boxes, and conveyor ... with recycling equipment for processing metal product e.g. metal shears, band saw and wire ...

Operations Labor - Non Ferrous

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

... sorting - pushing, pulling, picking, lifting, carrying, and filling up hoppers, boxes, and conveyor ... with recycling equipment for processing metal product e.g. metal shears, band saw and wire ...

Operations Labor

Orange, CA · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

... sorting - pushing, pulling, picking, lifting, carrying, and filling up hoppers, boxes, and conveyor ... with recycling equipment for processing metal product e.g. metal shears, band saw and wire ...

... sorting - pushing, pulling, picking, lifting, carrying, and filling up hoppers, boxes, and conveyor ... with recycling equipment for processing metal product e.g. metal shears, band saw and wire ...

... sorting - pushing, pulling, picking, lifting, carrying, and filling up hoppers, boxes, and conveyor ... with recycling equipment for processing metal product e.g. metal shears, band saw and wire ...

Operations Labor

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Material handling / sorting pushing, pulling, picking, lifting, carrying, and filling up hoppers ... Work with recycling equipment for processing metal product e.g. metal shears, band saw and wire ...

... sorting - pushing, pulling, picking, lifting, carrying, and filling up hoppers, boxes, and conveyor ... with recycling equipment for processing metal product e.g. metal shears, band saw and wire ...

... sorting - pushing, pulling, picking, lifting, carrying, and filling up hoppers, boxes, and conveyor ... with recycling equipment for processing metal product e.g. metal shears, band saw and wire ...

General Labor

Sun Valley, CA · On-site

$18.87/hr

... sorting - pushing, pulling, picking, lifting, carrying, and filling up hoppers, boxes, and conveyor ... with recycling equipment for processing metal product e.g. metal shears, band saw and wire ...

Laborer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

... sorting - pushing, pulling, picking, lifting, carrying, and filling up hoppers, boxes, and conveyor ... with recycling equipment for processing metal product e.g. metal shears, band saw and wire ...

Operations Labor

El Monte, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... sorting - pushing, pulling, picking, lifting, carrying, and filling up hoppers, boxes, and conveyor ... with recycling equipment for processing metal product e.g. metal shears, band saw and wire ...

Operations Labor

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

... sorting - pushing, pulling, picking, lifting, carrying, and filling up hoppers, boxes, and conveyor ... with recycling equipment for processing metal product e.g. metal shears, band saw and wire ...

... and sorting of NF materials; and completing all required documentation and paperwork for the ... SA Recycling offers: * Competitive Pay * Choice of 2 Medical plans, with Dental, Vision, and Life ...

Operations Labor

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Unloading pallets, boxes, and bundles · Material handling / sorting - pushing, pulling, picking ... with recycling equipment for processing metal product e.g. metal shears, band saw and wire ...

New

... sorting - pushing, pulling, picking, lifting, carrying, and filling up hoppers, boxes, and conveyor ... with recycling equipment for processing metal product e.g. metal shears, band saw and wire ...

Laborer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

... sorting - pushing, pulling, picking, lifting, carrying, and filling up hoppers, boxes, and conveyor ... with recycling equipment for processing metal product e.g. metal shears, band saw and wire ...

Operations Labor

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Unloading pallets, boxes, and bundles · Material handling / sorting - pushing, pulling, picking ... with recycling equipment for processing metal product e.g. metal shears, band saw and wire ...

New

Operations Labor

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Unloading pallets, boxes, and bundles • Material handling / sorting - pushing, pulling, picking ... with recycling equipment for processing metal product e.g. metal shears, band saw and wire ...

New

Showing results 41-60

Recycling Sorting information

See California salary details

$9

$14

$18

How much do recycling sorting jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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:

Infographic showing various Recycling Sorting job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% 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.

Operations Labor

SA Recycling

Orange, CA • On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


SA Recycling rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 92 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Job Duties

Including, but not limited to:
• Unloading pallets, boxes, and bundles
• Material handling / sorting – pushing, pulling, picking, lifting, carrying, and filling up hoppers, boxes, and conveyor belts
• Unpacking boxes using box cutters, separating plastics, zip ties, blister packs, and other packaging materials
• Disassembling small equipment, cutting wires, torqueing pipefittings, removing bolts, automobile parts, and appliance parts.
• Work with recycling equipment for processing metal product e.g. metal shears, band saw and wire strippers
• Direct traffic of yard vehicles traveling through yard
• Light facility maintenance – painting, scraping, moving furniture and equipment
• Maintenance – selecting and using tools properly, pulling and installing parts for machinery, working with other employees to assist machinery repair
• Housekeeping – sweeping, cleaning, shoveling, and debris collection
• Moderate and Periodic landscaping work
• Clean up work area at the end of shift
• Keep work areas neat and orderly
• Regular attendance and punctuality are essential job functions
• Organizing materials to have more effective use of space
• Dispose of various waste materials in the appropriate manner
• Inspection to ensure cleanup is completed
• Effective housekeeping in workplace area is an ongoing operation for safety and better hygienic conditions for all team members.

Qualifications

Employees in this position prior to April 2014 are presumed to be qualified and are "grandfathered" into their positions.
• Must pass a medical physical and drug test
• Must pass a background check
• Preferred – high school diploma or GED and/or foreign education acceptable
• Bi-lingual (English & Spanish) language skills a plus
• Ability to: communicate with others effectively; understand direction (written or oral) and use basic math skills as the job demands
• Willingness to learn how to: sort metal, identify colors, shapes, and weights; properly maintain equipment; properly utilize PPE

Job Expectations

Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, & SA Recycling safety, health, & environmental rules, regulations, policies, & procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Work Environment: Scrap metal yard, outdoor
• Equipment & Tools: Yard equipment, hand tools, and PPE.
• Physical Demand Level: Moderate to heavy
• Work Capacity: Laborer Work Capacity
• Sensory Demands: Hearing, vision, smell, touch and taste
• Hand Movements: Repetitive motions, gripping

Pay Range: $18-24.75


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