1

Recycling Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Their efforts help create a pleasant and productive working environment for all members of the team ... Recycling principle * Work independently as well as in a team environment * Maintain ...

Their efforts help create a pleasant and productive working environment for all members of the team ... Recycling principle * Work independently as well as in a team environment * Maintain ...

... recycling vendors when required. Job Function: * Collection of refuse and recyclable materials. * Processes recyclable/refuse materials. * Disposes of scrap metals. * Disposes of surplus equipment.

Laborer, Recycling (PT Days)

Stroudsburg, PA

$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 ...

The recycling coordinator will be responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and ... Working independently and exercising good judgment and discretion is essential to this position.

Recycling Technician

Cypress, CA · On-site

$19 - $24.70/hr

Recycling Technician Full-time Cypress, CA Description At ECOS ® , we are a women-led company with ... At least 6 to 12 months experience working in a production environment * High school diploma/GED

Description Recycling Technician Full-time Cypress, CA Description At ECOS, we are a women-led ... At least 6 to 12 months experience working in a production environment * High school diploma/GED

next page

Showing results 1-20

Recycling Worker information

See salary details

$10

$17

$35

How much do recycling worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling worker in the United States is $17.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are recycling workers?

Recycling workers are individuals responsible for sorting, processing, and preparing recyclable materials for reuse. They work in facilities where they separate materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metals from waste streams. Their job helps ensure that recyclable materials are properly handled and sent to the appropriate processing plants, reducing landfill waste and supporting environmental sustainability. Recycling workers may also operate machinery and perform quality checks on sorted materials.

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

To thrive as a Recycling Worker, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of waste management or recycling processes, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with sorting machinery, conveyor belts, and personal protective equipment is commonly required. Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient, safe, and accurate recycling operations that support environmental sustainability.

What are some common challenges faced by recycling workers on the job, and how can they be managed?

Recycling workers often encounter challenges such as sorting contaminated or improperly disposed materials, working in noisy or physically demanding environments, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Managing these challenges typically involves staying vigilant for hazardous items, using protective equipment, and following clear procedures for separating materials. Teamwork and consistent communication with supervisors help ensure issues are addressed quickly and that safety standards are maintained. Regular training sessions are also provided to keep workers updated on best practices and new recycling technologies.

What is the difference between Recycling Worker vs Waste Collector?

AspectRecycling WorkerWaste Collector
CredentialsHigh school diploma; safety trainingHigh school diploma; safety training
Work EnvironmentRecycling facilities, collection sitesStreet routes, landfills
Industry UsageRecycling plants, waste management companiesMunicipal waste collection services
Job FocusSorting and processing recyclable materialsCollecting and transporting waste

Recycling Workers primarily focus on sorting and processing recyclable materials at facilities, while Waste Collectors are responsible for collecting waste from residential or commercial areas. Both roles require safety training and operate within waste management industries, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

What states have the most Recycling Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Recycling Worker jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Recycling Worker jobs? For Recycling Worker jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Recycling Worker job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,362 per year, or $17.5 per hour.
Recycling Worker

Recycling Worker

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


University Of Virginia rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

192nd of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The University of Virginia Facilities Management (FM) department is currently seeking Recycling Workers to support Facilities Management's sustainability goals of providing a state-of-the-art recycling program for the University. FM supports the UVA's wide range of research, academic and patient care programs. With over 1,200 employees dedicated to excellence, FM is responsible for the day-to-day operation, repair and maintenance of UVa's buildings, infrastructure and grounds as well as other University-owned and leased properties. Recycling Workers provide a high level of customer service to students, staff, and faculty through the transport and processing of recyclable, recoverable, and/or reusable materials collected across Grounds.
Duties Include:
  • Transporting and sorting recyclable materials.
  • Driving pick-up routes and performing safe truck/equipment operation.
  • Special project work (student move-in/move-out, football games, graduation, etc.).
  • Performing all work in accordance with safety rules and procedures, such as OSHA, federal, state, and local regulations.

Position Compensation: - Starting at $15.00 Hourly (salary is negotiable depending on experience)
This is a full-time position with UVA benefits .
Selected candidates will be required to complete all required background checks, including health screening prior to the first day of employment. This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.
Qualifications:
  • Preferred experience: waste/recycling industry experience
  • License: Valid Driver License with a zero or positive points balance and at least 2 years of driving experience.

Physical Demands: The employee will be exposed to varying temperatures. The job requires getting in/out of a vehicle multiple times throughout the day, sorting recyclables by hand, and lifting /pushing/pulling items that weigh more than 20 pounds. Employees are required to work around machinery and stand on different surfaces such as gravel, blacktop, and concrete.
To Apply:
Apply online , search for requisition R0079149; Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website . Complete the application, and upload the following Required materials:
  • Resume

Upload all materials into the respective submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into these fields. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents or partial applications will not receive full consideration.
References will be completed via UVA's standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A total of three references is required.
For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, at js9rk@virginia.edu.
Job Profile
J1673 - Recycling Operations and Service 1
Career Stream and Level
Operations and Service-O1
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

What University Of Virginia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


University of Virginia logo

About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819