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Recycling Worker Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Recycling Smelter Operator

Muncie, IN ยท On-site

$23.58/hr

Working knowledge of pumps, flow processes, e.g. throughput, valves, and electrical and ... Recycling recovers 99% of all lead received at our recycling centers. Every year we recycle ...

Refuse Worker - Grounds

Culver, IN

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

The Refuse Worker drives the assigned route removing garbage and recyclables from various campus ... The employee is responsible for disposing of or recycling the garbage when they deliver it to the ...

General Labor

North Liberty, IN ยท On-site

$17.50/hr

Education and Experience: * 1-2 years' experience working in an industrial manufacturing operations environment, preferred. EEO Statement: Liberty Tire Recycling is an equal opportunity employer. All ...

CDL A - Route Driver

North Liberty, IN ยท On-site

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

... Recycling safety policies, environmental standards, and operational procedures. * Perform additional duties as required to support waste tire removal operations. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: * Working ...

Route Driver- IN

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

ARCA Recycling is seeking an experienced Route Driver to join our team. We are an innovative ... Pleasant, polite manner for dealing with customers as well as co-workers. Customer Service must be ...

Be Seen First

... recycling material at the recycling machine 6 - 10 times per day) ยท Required to move boxes from ... The following will be used to evaluate the performance of the Rework Warehouse Worker: ยท To the ...

Refuse Worker - Grounds

Culver, IN ยท On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

The Refuse Worker drives the assigned route removing garbage and recyclables from various campus ... The employee is responsible for disposing of or recycling the garbage when they deliver it to the ...

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Recycling Worker information

See Indiana salary details

$9

$16

$33

How much do recycling worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling worker in Indiana is $16.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $18.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recycling worker?

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?

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 are popular job titles related to Recycling Worker jobs in IN?

For Recycling Worker jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Recycling Worker job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,600 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Recycling Smelter Operator

Muncie, IN โ€ข On-site

MOTREX Co. Ltd
IT Servicesย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$23.58/hr

Other

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Overview

Element Resources is currently recruiting for Smelter Operators at our facility in Muncie, Indiana!

Starting Pay Rate over $23.58 per hour!

One of Muncie's long-standing companies is hiring! Element is one of the leading Battery Recycling facilities in the country and has been a mainstay in the Muncie community for over 30 years. Did you know that batteries are the most recycled product in the world with a more than 99 percent recycling rate? Element provides an essential supply of recycled products to America's battery manufacturers to produce high quality, top performing batteries to power cars, trucks and forklifts, which are vital to keeping our country's supply chain running.

A Recycling Smelter Operator generally is responsible to operate a piece of equipment or perform tasks at the direction of the supervisor. The Operator also may work with a senior operator to carry out operations in an operating system or unit; the operator may be asked to perform as part of a team. The operator is also responsible for performing work in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

Work may be performed in Blast Furnace, Refinery, or Breaker departments.

Apply online or text recyclingjobs to 678-506-7168 to begin your pre-screening process!

Responsibilities

The duties assigned to an Operator may vary with the area assigned. Specific duties are described in operating instructions for each area or piece of equipment. Duties will include, but not be limited to, the following:

  • Load and operate high-speed blenders

  • Operate blending/milling equipment

  • Operate smelters and spray dryer, record temperature at specified intervals

  • Empty smelter.

  • Package material for shipments, including weight and quantities

  • Operate a fork and/or lift truck

  • Perform any other tasks as assigned by a supervisor.

  • Train other Operators when assigned to do so by supervisor.

  • Work with minimal supervision

  • Work in a safe and environmentally sound manner

  • Clean and lubricate all equipment

  • Maintain good housekeeping

  • May be required to relieve other Operations

  • Any other miscellaneous duties

Qualifications

  • Able to operate equipment basic power and hand tools and possibly some heavy equipment such as a forklift, man-lift, loader, dozer, etc.

  • Able to understand and follow both verbal and visual instructions regarding plant safety and operations.

  • Comprehend and apply basic math skills e.g. addition, subtraction, etc.

  • Able to satisfy a Pulmonary Function Test within OSHA standards and wear a respirator

  • Regular attendance is a requirement for this position.

  • Must be able to lift, bend, reach and twist with loads for periods of time. Throughout the day, actual lifting may be from 15 to 50 lbs. and up to 100 lbs. on an infrequent basis.

  • High School and or technical/vocational training preferred

PREFERRED:

  • Recycling, smelting, metallurgical processing plant experience, or other relevant industrial experience

  • Working knowledge of pumps, flow processes, e.g. throughput, valves, and electrical and understanding units of measurement e.g. psi, flow rate, gpm, amps, etc.

Element Resources encourages candidates with Military training and/or experience to apply.

EEO Statement

Element Resources is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

About Statement

Element Resources (elementrellc.com) is one of the largest battery recycling companies in the United States. Recycling recovers 99% of all lead received at our recycling centers. Every year we recycle millions of pounds of lead and recover and neutralize millions of gallons of sulfuric acid. Our robust, highly controlled recycling process is a critical part of our commitment to environmental sustainability.

Job Locations IN-Muncie

Requisition ID 2025-5397

Category (For Candidate Searching Only) Recycling - Operations

Position Type Regular Fulltime

Location : Address 2601 W. Mt Pleasant Blvd.

Location : Postal Code 47302

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