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Recycling Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quad

Recycling Technician

Westampton, NJ · On-site

$16 - $22.50/hr

Operate recycling machinery to effectively process materials * Sort and assign appropriate ... Ability to work effectively with co-workers and all other internal/external contacts to promote ...

Quad

Recycling Technician

Westampton, NJ · On-site

$16 - $22.50/hr

Operate recycling machinery to effectively process materials * Sort and assign appropriate ... Ability to work effectively with co-workers and all other internal/external contacts to promote ...

Quad

Recycling Technician

Franklin, WI · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Behind every product is a team of skilled people who take pride in quality, innovation and working ... Quad is seeking a full-time Recycling Technician/Clamp Truck Operator at our Franklin, WI facility.

Rumpke Waste & Recycling

The Recycling Supervisor is responsible for operating the recycling plant; this includes all ... Frequently working in areas of dust, odors, mist, gases, other airborne matter * Frequently ...

Vonachen Group

Recycling Technician

Newbern, TN · On-site

$16/hr

Recycling Technician The Recyling Technician is responsible for maintaining high levels of customer ... safe working environment. This person must be energetic, enthusiastic, and possess great ...

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Recycling Worker information

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How much do recycling worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 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 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.

Who are the top companies hiring for Recycling Worker jobs?

The top employers for Recycling Worker jobs are:

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:

Recycling Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recycling Worker job openings in the United States 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 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,362 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Recycling Technician

Nashville, TN • On-site

Vanderbilt University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Vanderbilt Universityexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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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