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Recycling Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

Essential Functions Monitors compactor/recycling sites at all times during regularly scheduled ... working relationships with associates and the general public. Education and Experience High school ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Recycling Worker information

See salary details

$10

$17

$35

How much do recycling worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 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:

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

Quad

Westampton, NJ • On-site

$16 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Quad rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

460th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description


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/baling and trim baling systems. This is done through staging and grading of recyclables, system start-up/shut-down/operation and processing of paper, plastic and metal graded materials. Pay range is $16.00-$22.50, Schedule is Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Gather, load and unload materials through lifting and/or Power Industrial Vehicles
  • Operate recycling machinery to effectively process materials
  • Sort and assign appropriate recycling grade to materials
  • Create and maintain all records for outbound shipment in appropriate systems and/or hardcopies
  • Identify and resolve general maintenance items and escalate as needed
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area, including machinery
  • Actively participate and follow all Safety and Lean regulations, policies and initiatives. Including performing daily maintenance inspections as required and report any issues of concern to the appropriate leader
  • All other duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS
  • Appropriate education and/or experience may be substituted on an equivalent basis
  • Education: High School Diploma or General Education Degree
  • Experience: 1 year of manufacturing experience is preferred
  • Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Quad Powered Industrial Vehicle Certification (Forklift, Clamp Truck, Tugger) as necessary for the area/plant needs.
  • Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Ability to operate necessary recycling equipment
  • Good organizational and problem solving skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently without close supervision
  • Ability to effectively and professional communicate both verbally and written
  • Proficient knowledge of departmental programs, applications and computer operating systems
  • Ability to work effectively with co-workers and all other internal/external contacts to promote teamwork
  • Basic knowledge and ability to use desktop and mobile PCs
  • Ability to work Quad assigned work schedule

Employees can be expected to be paid an hourly range of $16.00-$22.50, based on
variations in knowledge, skills, experience and market conditions.
About Us
As a global marketing experience company, Quad's goal is to help our clients win every day. We use our data-driven integrated marketing and manufacturing platform to streamline solutions for our clients, reduce friction and enhance their marketing spend effectiveness. We've built a rich legacy by believing in our people, allowing them to act like owners and to take charge of their own success. Whether an operator, sales rep, a graphic artist or a clinician, we're all driven to perform at our best- for ourselves and our clients. At our core, we're a company that believes we can always create a better way.
About the Team
We offer comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement savings, paid time off, holidays and additional benefits.
Quad is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a place of belonging - a space where employees do not need to sacrifice who they are to exist and grow in our workplace. Quad does not discriminate on any unlawful basis including race, religion, color, national origin, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Quad also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories.
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