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Recycling Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... safe working environment. This person must be energetic, enthusiastic, and possess great ... Clean materials as needed for recycling requirements which may include the use of saws, blowtorches ...

... working toward a more resourceful future. OUR CORE VALUES Integrity Compassion Empowerment ... Service recycling, trash, and compost bins; sort material; load and unload equipment; maintain ...

Metal Recycling Yard Crew Company Overview M&M Recycling is a growing, family-owned scrap metal ... If you like working outdoors, staying active, and seeing the results of your effort every day, this ...

Talk with lead, supervisor, co-workers, managers, and customers in a professional manner * Maintain ... High school diploma or GED with 1-2 years of recycling experience in a company environment or ...

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Recycling Worker information

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$10

$17

$35

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:

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.

Waste & Recycling Attendant (FT Year Round)

Thompsonville, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

The Waste & Recycling Attendant is responsible for monitoring the flow of all waste, compostable materials, and recycling on the resort. This position ensures all areas of the resort stay clean, and that trash is disposed of in a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly way.

 

Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Maintain all exterior waste and recycling bins on property.
  • Process all on site waste/compost/recycling in a way to reduce ecological footprint and to maximize efficiency.
  • Transport recycling and compostable material.
  • Sort paper, plastic, glass, metal, electronic waste, universal waste.
  • Bale cardboard and coordinate delivery of cardboard into market.
  • Process compost and maintain compost pile and area around it.
  • Coordinate recycling bin and waste compactor pick-ups with waste hauler.
  • Keep records of materials being disposed of and recycled.
  • Record data collected into specified electronic formats.
  • Communicate issues of significance to manager, regarding areas requiring special attention noted during rounds.
  • Suggest improvements to streamline systems and encourage waste reduction.
  • Inspect the interior and exterior of the dedicated recycling truck regularly to ensure it is properly maintained.
  • Communicate any mechanical or structural maintenance needs noted on rounds to proper department.
  • Use personal protective safety equipment when handling refuse.
  • Maintain the organization and cleanliness of the recycling areas.
  • Deliver resort packages to appropriate departments.
  • Other duties and special projects as assigned.

 

Job Specifications

Competencies:

  • Comfortable interacting with guests and working in highly visible areas.
  • Requires attention to detail and ability to work both indoor and outdoors as needed with seasonal shifts.
  • Requires individual with a self-directed work style and able to work with minimal supervision to organize and plan out daily activities.
  • Requires understanding and genuine interest in conservation and sustainability concepts.
  • Previous experience working with large machinery preferred.

Education:

  • High School diploma or equivalent required.

Physical & Other Requirements:

  • While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk and talk or hear.
  • The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and smell.
  • The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance.
  • The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
  • While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions.
  • Evenings, weekends and holidays are a regular part of the schedule.
  • Must have unrestricted and insurable Michigan driving record. Chauffeur license preferred.
  • Non-smoking candidates preferred.