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Recycling Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Vonachen Group

Recycling Technician

Newbern, TN

$15/hr

Recycling Technician The Recyling Technician is responsible for maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction, providing high quality service levels, maintaining proper supply levels, adhering to ...

Vonachen Group

Recycling Technician

Newbern, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Recycling Technician The Recyling Technician is responsible for maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction, providing high quality service levels, maintaining proper supply levels, adhering to ...

Vonachen Group

Recycling Technician

Newbern, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Clean materials as needed for recycling requirements which may include the use of saws, blowtorches, and other power tools for proper disposal. * Other duties include operating forklifts, pallet ...

Vonachen Group

Recycling Technician

Newbern, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Clean materials as needed for recycling requirements which may include the use of saws, blowtorches, and other power tools for proper disposal. * Other duties include operating forklifts, pallet ...

SA Recycling

Warehouse Intern

Portland, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

SA Recycling, a world leader in the metals recycling and processing industry, is actively looking for students who are interested in learning about the recycling industry to join our team as a ...

SA Recycling

Warehouse Intern

Portland, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

SA Recycling, a world leader in the metals recycling and processing industry, is actively looking for students who are interested in learning about the recycling industry to join our team as a ...

SA Recycling

Equipment Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

SA Recycling offers: * Competitive Pay * Choice of 2 Medical plans, with Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance * 401k with a Company Match * Weekly Pay * Referral Incentives * Company provided uniforms ...

SA Recycling

Driver

Portland, TN · On-site

SA Recycling, an industry leader in the metals recycling and processing industry, is looking for Class A Drivers. Our drivers are the face of the Company and safely transport metals for recycling ...

SA Recycling

Equipment Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

SA Recycling offers: * Competitive Pay * Choice of 2 Medical plans, with Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance * 401k with a Company Match * Weekly Pay * Referral Incentives * Company provided uniforms ...

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How much do recycling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for recycling in Tennessee is $15.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recycling job?

A recycling job involves collecting, sorting, and processing materials like paper, plastic, metal, and glass to be reused or repurposed. Workers may operate machinery, transport recyclables, or educate the public on proper waste disposal. These jobs help reduce landfill waste and promote environmental sustainability. Recycling positions can be found in waste management companies, municipal programs, and private organizations focused on sustainability efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the recycling position?

To thrive in a Recycling role, you typically need physical stamina, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of waste management or environmental practices, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with sorting equipment, balers, forklifts, and safety protocols is also valuable, and some positions may require OSHA certification or machinery operation training. Strong teamwork, reliability, and communication skills help you stand out, as these roles often require close coordination with others. These abilities ensure that recyclable materials are processed safely and efficiently, maintaining high-quality standards and contributing to environmental sustainability.

What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of someone working in recycling?

In a recycling role, your daily responsibilities may include sorting and processing recyclable materials, operating machinery such as conveyors and balers, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment. You may also be responsible for identifying and removing contaminants from recyclable streams, tracking inventory, and assisting with pickups or deliveries of recyclable goods. Teamwork is usually essential, as most recycling facilities rely on coordinated group efforts to meet processing goals. This role can be physically demanding and often involves working in warehouse or outdoor environments, but it offers the rewarding opportunity to make a positive environmental impact.

What are the different types of recycling jobs?

Recycling jobs include positions such as recycling technicians, material sorters, collection drivers, plant operators, and environmental specialists. These roles involve tasks like sorting recyclable materials, operating machinery, managing collection routes, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Skills in equipment operation, safety procedures, and knowledge of recyclable materials are often required.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recycling jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Recycling jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Recycling jobs in Tennessee?

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

What job categories do people searching Recycling jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Recycling jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Recycling jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Recycling job openings:

Recycling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recycling job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,816 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Recycling Technician

Nashville, TN • On-site

Vanderbilt University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

152nd of 627 rated colleges and universities

Good employer

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers

Learn more about Vanderbilt Universityexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

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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