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Recycling Tech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Recycling Tech 3rd Shift

Whitakers, NC

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Job Title Recycling Tech 3rd Shift Summary The incumbent is responsible for transporting, separting and baling recyclable materials such as wood, plastic, cardboard and trash. The individual must ...

Recycle Tech Job Overview The Recycle Technician will be responsible for the recycle, reuse, and ... High school diploma or GED with 1-2 years of recycling experience in a company environment or ...

Recycle Tech Job Overview The GMP Recycle Technician is responsible for the recycle, reuse, and ... High school diploma or GED with 1-2 years of recycling experience in a company environment or ...

Recycle Tech

Columbus, OH · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Recycle Tech Job Overview The GMP Recycle Technician is responsible for the recycle, reuse, and ... High school diploma or GED with 1-2 years of recycling experience in a company environment or ...

Recycle Tech

Tremont, PA · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Recycle Tech Job Overview The Recycle Technician will be responsible for the recycle, reuse, and ... High school diploma or GED with 1-2 years of recycling experience in a company environment or ...

This plant serves as the seed for all future recycling technology and operations globally. In this hands-on role, you will operate heavy material-processing equipment, ensure strict quality standards ...

Title: GMP Recycle Tech Job Overview The GMP Recycle Technician is responsible for the recycle ... High school diploma or GED with 1-2 years of recycling experience in a company environment or ...

GMP Recycle Tech

Columbus, OH · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Title: GMP Recycle Tech Job Overview The GMP Recycle Technician is responsible for the recycle ... High school diploma or GED with 1-2 years of recycling experience in a company environment or ...

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Recycling Tech information

See salary details

$49.5K

$65K

$79K

How much do recycling tech jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for recycling tech in the United States is $65,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Recycling Tech vs Recycling Technician?

AspectRecycling TechRecycling Technician
CertificationsOften requires OSHA safety training, equipment operation certificationsRequires similar safety certifications, equipment handling licenses
Work EnvironmentFactories, recycling plants, waste management facilitiesRecycling centers, waste processing sites, industrial plants
Job ResponsibilitiesOperating machinery, sorting recyclables, maintaining equipmentSorting materials, inspecting recyclables, assisting with processing
Industry UsageCommonly used in waste management and recycling industriesWidely used in recycling facilities and waste disposal companies

Recycling Tech and Recycling Technician roles share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on waste processing and equipment operation. While Recycling Tech may emphasize machinery operation, Recycling Technicians often handle sorting and inspection tasks. Both roles are essential in recycling facilities and often overlap in daily duties, but Recycling Tech roles tend to involve more technical equipment handling.

What are some common challenges Recycling Techs face, and how can they overcome them?

Recycling Techs often encounter challenges such as sorting contaminated materials, managing heavy or awkward loads, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols. To overcome these, it's important to stay vigilant about proper sorting techniques, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and communicate effectively with team members. Continuous training and staying updated on recycling guidelines can also help minimize mistakes and improve efficiency in daily operations.

What does a Recycling Tech do?

A Recycling Tech, or Recycling Technician, is responsible for sorting, processing, and preparing recyclable materials for reuse or disposal. They operate machinery, inspect materials to ensure proper separation, and may also perform maintenance on recycling equipment. Their work helps reduce landfill waste and supports environmental sustainability by ensuring materials like paper, plastic, and metals are properly recycled.

Is recycling a good career path?

Recycling technicians play a key role in waste management and environmental conservation, often working in processing facilities or collection services. The job typically requires physical activity, knowledge of safety protocols, and sometimes certifications in waste handling or environmental regulations. It can offer stable employment with opportunities for advancement in the growing sustainability sector.

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

To excel as a Recycling Tech, you need a solid understanding of materials sorting, equipment operation, and basic safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with conveyor systems, balers, forklifts, and sometimes certifications in hazardous materials handling are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and reliability are important soft skills for efficient workflow and maintaining safety standards. These abilities ensure that recyclable materials are processed correctly and safely, supporting both environmental goals and operational efficiency.

What states have the most Recycling Tech jobs?

States with the most job openings for Recycling Tech jobs include:

Infographic showing various Recycling Tech job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 12% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,000 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


University Of New Mexico rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The University of New Mexico Facility Services (FS) is looking for a Student Recycling Tech to join our Recycling Services  team! In this hands-on role, you'll play a critical part in helping us create a greener, more sustainable campus. If you're ready to work outdoors, learn to sort collected materials, operate recycling equipment, and become a valuable member of the FS Recycling team, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Key Responsibilities:

  • General Maintenance: Assist with daily maintenance, organization and cleaning tasks associated with an efficient and productive materials management facility.
  • Material Sorting: Monitor and make adjustments to the flow of recyclable materials.
  • Equipment Operation: Operate various recycling equipment such as baling machines, forklifts, and trucks to ensure efficient collection and processing.
  • Hazardous Material Disposal: Ensure the proper management, consolidation and reporting of hazardous materials.
  • Recycling Collection: Collect recyclable materials from designated areas across campus according to established procedures and the New Mexico Solid Waste Act.

What We're Looking For:

  • Dependability: Showing up for work as scheduled and on time or, providing ample notification in regard to absences.
  • Attitude: Able to work comfortably in a dynamic environment and build strong working relationship with other members of the FS Recycling team.
  • Physical Strength: Ability to lift and carry heavy objects (up to 50 lbs) and perform strenuous physical work.
  • Communication Skills: The ability to update handwritten reports and provide genial customer service support to visitors arriving to the FS Recycling facility.

Physical Demands:

  • Outdoor Work: Exposure to various weather conditions, including fluctuating temperatures, dirt, dust, and other environmental elements.
  • Heavy Lifting: Requires physical activity such as lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects.
  • Hazard Awareness: Some work environments may involve physical risks, so following safety protocols is essential.

As a Student Recycling Tech, you'll help make the University of New Mexico a cleaner and more sustainable place to work and learn. If you're ready for a physically active role and want to contribute to environmental sustainability, apply today and join our team!

Apply now and be a part of UNM's mission to create a greener, more eco-conscious campus!


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