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Recycling Sorting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The primary responsibilities includes sorting and organizing metals, glass, wood, paper, plastic ... Clean materials as needed for recycling requirements which may include the use of saws, blowtorches ...

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

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Recycling Sorter

Dayton, OH · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

Recycling Sorters work as quality control line workers by hand sorting recyclable materials and ... Perform sorting duties in a safe manner in compliance with all local, state, and federal ...

Laborer, Recycling (PT Days)

Stroudsburg, PA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Under the supervision of the Recycling Supervisor, the Recycling worker salvages materials and prepares for recycling; through the transferring of materials, sorting recyclable plastics, use of the ...

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 ...

Shipping Worker - Sorting Department

Dalton, OH

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Sorting Supervisor Pay Rate: Hourly Location: 630 Henry Street, Dalton, Ohio 44618 Hours: 5:00 AM ... and recycling procedures. • Assist with routine warehouse upkeep and equipment checks. Other ...

Showing results 41-60

Recycling Sorting information

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$14

$18

How much do recycling sorting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling sorting in the United States is $14.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $16.35 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.
More about Recycling Sorting jobs
What cities are hiring for Recycling Sorting jobs? Cities with the most Recycling Sorting job openings:
What states have the most Recycling Sorting jobs? States with the most job openings for Recycling Sorting jobs include:
Infographic showing various Recycling Sorting job openings in the United States 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 $30,776 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


American Furniture Warehouse rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 62 rated furniture retailers


Job description

Job Overview

As a Recycling Associate, you will help ensure compliance with environmental and safety programs by facilitating company recycling efforts. The Recycling Associate is responsible for operating heavy equipment including cardboard balers, pallet jacks, stock pickers, foam densifiers, shredders, and other recycling equipment. 

Recycling Associate's are also quality control inspectors and remove unwanted or harmful materials while sorting recyclables. The ideal associate develops strategies to improve recycling efforts, adheres to quality expectations and standards, and has excellent attention to detail.  If you are eager to help the environment and make a difference, then AFW is looking for you!

Job Responsibilities & Duties

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

  • Sorting various materials such as cardboard, Styrofoam, and scrap items into appropriate machinery for recycling.

  • Transporting recyclables, scrap, and trash throughout the warehouse.
  • Operating balers to compress recyclable materials into bundles or bales.

  • Operating various equipment, such as forklift or pallet jack to load items onto trucks for shipping and pick up. 

  • Lock Out Tag Out (L.O.T.O) equipment as needed.
  • Ensure department, walking lanes, and nearby areas are clean and professional.
  • Cleaning and maintaining recycling equipment.
  • Periodically empty all trash cans through the facility.
  • Ensuring your safety and the safety of all others at all times.
  • Perform regular maintenance and minor repairs on the recycling equipment.
  • Collaborate with the maintenance team to make sure the grounds and the building are always properly cared and clean up to AFW standards.
  • Report all equipment issues and potential liabilities along with recommendations for solving such issues to the AFW management team. 
  • Abide by all company policies and procedures.
  • All other duties assigned by the Maintenance Manager as directed.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Job Requirements

  • Prior experience operating warehouse equipment, such as forklift, pallet jack and cherry picker preferred.

  • Flexible schedule to work all shifts, including holidays and weekends.

  • Ability to become certified in the operation of warehouse equipment. 

  • Ability to be trained on the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

  • Have a strong independent work ethic.

  • Excellent organizational skill and the ability to demonstrate attention to detail, and accuracy.

  • Sense of ownership and pride in your performance and its impact on AFW's success.

  • Ability to prioritize tasks when appropriate.

  • Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

  • Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.

  • Basic computer skills.

Education & Experience

High school diploma or GED is preferred.; equivalent combination of education and experience accepted in lieu of diploma.

Certificates & Licenses

None required. Recycling and Environmental Health and Safety certifications/licenses preferred. 

Compensation

  • Pay Rate: Starting at $17/hour and up - dependent on experience

    • Pay Grade A: $16.00-26.91

  • Weekend, 3rd shift and mid-shift premiums offered depending on schedule.

  • At AFW we offer great perks: weekly pay, benefits package (medical, dental, vision), 401k matching, and more!

Physical Requirements

  • Requires the ability to maneuver in confined and at times congested areas. 

  • Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, & bend for 8 hours a day.

  • Requires constant use of arms, hands, fingers, eyes, legs, and back. 

  • Ability to move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing 50-100lbs

  • Able to work shifts that are 8-12 hours long.

  • Ability to work 0 to 35 feet above the ground. 

  • Able to work in various weather conditions. The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions.

Physical Work Environment

  • Fluorescent Lighting

  • Concrete Flooring

  • Climate effected by outside conditions including but not limited too extreme heat/cold

  • Considerable exterior noise

  • Extreme temperature fluctuations in the warehouse.

If you want to know more about American Furniture Warehouse and what we do click on the link below!

https://youtu.be/QjaYn_sn_AM

American Furniture Warehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. Working Safely is a Condition of Employment at American Furniture Warehouse - an Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D/V.

A pre-employment drug screen, background and fit for duty exam check must be passed upon job offer.

Since 1975, our motto has been Under Promise and Over Deliver and this is exactly what we do on a daily basis! At AFW, we strongly believe in recognizing those who exemplify excellence, and reward them for contributing to our collective success. We strive to provide a great work environment for our employees and give them the knowledge and tools needed to provide our customers with an even greater buying experience. At American Furniture Warehouse We Do It Right the First Time!


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