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Recycling Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spelman College

Recycling Technician

Atlanta, GA

Position Title Recycling Technician Position Summary The Recycling Technician position reports directly to the Grounds Supervisor. Primary responsibilities include waste (e.g. trash, solid waste ...

Spelman College

Recycling Technician

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Position Title Recycling Technician Position Summary The Recycling Technician position reports directly to the Grounds Supervisor. Primary responsibilities include waste (e.g. trash, solid waste ...

Vonachen Group

Recycling Technician

Newbern, TN

$15/hr

Recycling Technician The Recyling Technician is responsible for maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction, providing high quality service levels, maintaining proper supply levels, adhering to ...

Quad

Recycling Technician

Waterford, WI · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Quad is seeking a full-time Recycling Technician/Clamp Truck Operator at our Franklin, WI facility. We have the following shift options to offer: Monday - Friday 5 am - 1 pm Monday - Friday 1 pm - 9 ...

Quad

Recycling Technician

Westampton, NJ · On-site

$16 - $22.50/hr

Quad, located in Westampton, NJ is looking for a full time Recycling Technician. In this role, you will ensure the effective operation and processing of recycling materials through use of shredding ...

Quad

Recycling Technician

Westampton, NJ · On-site

$16 - $22.50/hr

Quad, located in Westampton, NJ is looking for a full time Recycling Technician. In this role, you will ensure the effective operation and processing of recycling materials through use of shredding ...

Quad

Recycling Technician

Sturtevant, WI · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Quad is seeking a full-time Recycling Technician/Clamp Truck Operator at our Franklin, WI facility. We have the following shift options to offer: Monday - Friday 5 am - 1 pm Monday - Friday 1 pm - 9 ...

Quad

Recycling Technician

Franklin, WI · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Quad is seeking a full-time Recycling Technician/Clamp Truck Operator at our Franklin, WI facility. We have the following shift options to offer: Monday - Friday 5 am - 1 pm Monday - Friday 1 pm - 9 ...

Quad

Recycling Technician

Franklin, WI · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Quad is seeking a full-time Recycling Technician/Clamp Truck Operator at our Franklin, WI facility. We have the following shift options to offer: Monday - Friday 5 am - 1 pm Monday - Friday 1 pm - 9 ...

Quad

Recycling Technician

Franklin, WI · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Quad is seeking a full-time Recycling Technician/Clamp Truck Operator at our Franklin, WI facility. We have the following shift options to offer: Monday - Friday 5 am - 1 pm Monday - Friday 1 pm - 9 ...

Vonachen Group

Recycling Technician

Newbern, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Job Details The Recyling Technician is responsible for maintaining high levels of customer ... Clean materials as needed for recycling requirements which may include the use of saws, blowtorches ...

Wisconsin

Lead Recycling Technician

Stevens Point, WI · On-site

$17/hr

Lead Recycling Technician Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Recycling Technician Job Duties: General Responsibilities: Remove recyclable materials and refuse from ...

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How much do recycling technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling technician in the United States is $16.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Recycling Technician vs Waste Management Operator?

AspectRecycling TechnicianWaste Management Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma; may require certifications in safety or environmental handlingHigh school diploma; often requires CDL or waste management certifications
Work EnvironmentRecycling plants, collection sites, or processing facilitiesWaste collection trucks, landfills, transfer stations
Industry UsageEnvironmental services, recycling companies, municipal programsWaste collection, disposal services, municipal waste departments

Recycling Technicians focus on sorting, processing, and managing recyclable materials in various facilities, often requiring specific environmental safety certifications. Waste Management Operators primarily handle waste collection and disposal, operating trucks and managing waste at landfills or transfer stations. Both roles are essential in waste reduction and environmental protection but differ in daily tasks and work environments.

What is a recycling technician?

A Recycling Technician is a professional responsible for sorting, processing, and preparing recyclable materials for reuse or proper disposal. They operate machinery, inspect materials for contamination, and ensure that recycled items meet industry standards. Recycling Technicians play a crucial role in reducing waste sent to landfills and promoting environmental sustainability by ensuring materials are properly handled and processed. Their work often includes monitoring equipment, maintaining records, and following safety protocols.

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

To thrive as a Recycling Technician, you need a solid understanding of waste management processes, safe material handling, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with sorting machinery, balers, forklifts, and safety certifications like OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, reliability, and teamwork are essential soft skills for effective operations and maintaining safety standards. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient recycling processes, workplace safety, and compliance with environmental regulations.

Is recycling a good career path?

Recycling technician is a stable career that involves collecting, sorting, and processing recyclable materials, often requiring physical work and knowledge of safety procedures. It offers opportunities for employment in waste management companies and may require certifications or training in safety and environmental regulations. The job can provide steady employment and contribute to environmental sustainability.

What does a recycling technician do?

As a recycling technician, your primary responsibilities include sorting and properly disposing of materials. You collect and organize metals, glass, wood, paper, plastic, electronics, and more into their appropriate containers. You unload and load recyclables on trucks and may clean materials as needed for recycling requirements. Other duties include operating forklifts, pallet jacks, power lifts, and other heavy equipment. You may be in charge of cutting products with saws, blowtorches, and other power tools so they can be disposed of correctly. You also record production data and must comply with laws for chemical waste.

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

Recycling Technicians often work in environments that require strict adherence to safety protocols due to the handling of machinery and potentially hazardous materials. Common challenges include managing contamination in recycling streams, staying updated on proper sorting procedures, and maintaining equipment. These can be addressed through regular training, close teamwork, and clear communication with supervisors and colleagues to ensure all safety and operational guidelines are followed. Staying proactive about equipment maintenance and participating in ongoing education helps technicians perform efficiently and safely.
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Recycling Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recycling Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,094 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Recycling Technician

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Vanderbilt University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description


Position Summary:
The Recycling Technician is part of Vanderbilt University Maintenance and Operations (VUMO) and is a key individual responsible for supporting and executing the mission of the recycling and waste management programs. This position works to ensure the implementation and maintenance of diversion, recycling, and proper disposal of wastes throughout campus. The Recycling Technician position requires a motivated individual with good attention to details and a self-directed sense of ownership in their work. Reporting directly to the Campus Waste and Recycling Manager, the Recycling Technician is the customer service representative for the programs and interacts directly with Faculty, Staff, and students at all levels daily.
About the Work Unit:
VUMO provides facilities support for all construction, renovation, and routine maintenance of University Central space and facilities; housekeeping services for approximately 5.8 million square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational space; grounds care for 330 acres that are a registered arboretum; turf care for athletic fields; and utilities for the University Central and the Medical Center. This position will report to the Director of Operations.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
  • Check recycling dumpsters and compactors; notify appropriate person when attention is needed
  • Collect recycling from indoor and outdoor containers as per regular routes
  • Make extra pickups as needed/requested
  • Complete daily time log for Work Order system
  • Collect, flatten and place cardboard in recycling containers
  • Safely sort materials when bins are contaminated
  • Collect recycling from residential recycling areas
  • Collect light bulbs, battery, and/or glass buckets from designated areas
  • Collect ink cartridges at bins on route and place them in collection bins
  • Collect electronics for recycling and transport to appropriate locations
  • Assist Recycling Coordinator with new bin placements or bin location adjustments
  • Clean and wipe down dirty bins as needed
  • Re-sticker bins as needed
  • Assist with retrieving items from storage or taking items to storage
  • Assist with special events such as Move-In, Move-Out, Earth Day, Commencement, etc.
  • Collect packing materials and transport them to warehouse
  • Relocate glass bins for service by vendor
  • Collect large, bulk amounts of recyclables and transport directly to vendors using pickup or other large trucks
  • Operate and trouble shoot compactors
  • Attend safety training
  • Assist with snow removal
  • Operate and perform operator maintenance level to assigned vehicle
  • Event Support
  • Assist with grounds keeping
  • Other duties related to classification

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the Campus Waste and Recycling Manager.
WORKING HOURS: 6:30 am to 3:00 p.m. - Tuesday - Saturday
Must be available to work additional hours as needed
Education and Certifications:
  • High School Diploma is necessary
  • Valid Driver License is required; must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records

Experience and Skills:
  • Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, use email and other forms of electronic communications, and complete basic calculations
    • Ability to stand, stoop, bend, climb, lift and carry items for extended periods of time
    • Ability to accurately follow written and verbal instructions
    • Ability to communicate with empathy, and understand the other parties' perspective
    • Push, pull, lift and carry at least 50 pounds regularly and repeatedly
    • Thorough knowledge of the Vanderbilt Campus
    • Ability to work in various weather conditions including hot, cold, and wet conditions

About Us
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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