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Shredder Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The ideal candidate will be responsible for safely operating a metal shredder and conveying systems in a metals recycling yard ensuring optimal production output, shredder efficiencies, and equipment ...

The ideal candidate will be responsible for safely operating a metal shredder and conveying systems in a metals recycling yard ensuring optimal production output, shredder efficiencies, and equipment ...

As a Shredder Operator, you'll be responsible for operating the shredder machinery, which heats up and chops metals material into small pieces for various uses. You'll play a critical role in ...

As a Shredder Operator, you'll be responsible for operating the shredder machinery, which heats up and chops metals material into small pieces for various uses. You'll play a critical role in ...

As a Shredder Operator, you'll be responsible for operating the shredder machinery, which heats up and chops metals material into small pieces for various uses. You'll play a critical role in ...

2nd shift forklift operator

Stow, OH · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

2nd Shift Towmotor Operator / Shredder Operator Now hiring - 2nd shift towmotor operator / shredder operator. Must be available on 1st shift for training 4-6 weeks. We are looking for a dependable ...

2nd shift forklift operator

Stow, OH

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

2nd Shift Towmotor Operator / Shredder Operator Now hiring - 2nd shift towmotor operator / shredder operator. Must be available on 1st shift for training 4-6 weeks. We are looking for a dependable ...

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Shredder Operator information

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How much do shredder operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for shredder operator in the United States is $20.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Shredder Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Shredder Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to safety, and experience with industrial shredding or material handling equipment, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with lockout/tagout procedures, forklift operation certifications, and use of maintenance tools is commonly required. Strong communication, time management, and teamwork skills help operators work efficiently and safely with colleagues. These abilities ensure machine uptime, operational safety, and effective coordination within fast-paced production or recycling environments.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Shredder Operator?

As a Shredder Operator, your daily responsibilities include setting up and monitoring shredder machinery, feeding raw materials, conducting routine safety checks, and clearing jams or maintenance issues as needed. You will also maintain accurate logs, follow strict safety protocols, and collaborate closely with supervisors and other team members to ensure efficient workflow. The role may require working in industrial or warehouse environments with varying shifts. Attention to detail and the ability to identify potential hazards are crucial for maintaining productivity and workplace safety. This position often provides valuable experience for advancement to lead operator or supervisory roles in manufacturing or recycling operations.

What is a Shredder Operator job?

A Shredder Operator is responsible for operating industrial shredding machines to process materials like paper, metal, plastic, or wood. Their duties include feeding materials into the shredder, monitoring the shredding process, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring safety compliance. They may also sort materials before shredding and handle the disposal or recycling of processed materials. Attention to safety and machine upkeep is essential for this role.

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Shredder Operator

$26/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

The Shredder Operator reports to the Shredder Operations Supervisor. The Shredder Operator is responsible for the efficient operation of the shredder at optimal productions rates with minimal downtime. The Shredder Operator also communicates upward with the Shredder Operations Supervisor regarding all repair and maintenance issues while ensuring that all of his/her efforts are compliant with the company Health, Safety, and Environmental standards. The Shredder Operator should possess knowledge of machines and tools including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance, as well as knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, and techniques for maximizing operational efficiency.
This position operates under flexible parameters. The primary goal of this position is to achieve excellence in all facets of the position. Providing the highest quality product safely, effectively and efficiently decreases accidents and errors and increase profits.
Essential Functions
Environmental and Health & Safety (H&S)
  • Strictly adheres to all Metals Recycling Business Health, Safety, and Environmental standards.
  • Provides a safe environment for all employees, customers and visitors.

Operational Performance & Best Business Practices
  • Ensure the shredder runs efficiently, at optimal productions rates with minimal downtime.
  • Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, while ensuring material is suitable for shredding and falls within size requirements.
  • Maintain routine and consistent housekeeping in shredding area to ensure the safe operation of the equipment and affected employees.
  • Perform mechanical maintenance functions as necessary.
  • Provide backup or assistance throughout the yard as needed or assigned.

Equipment & Maintenance
  • Install, align, and lock specified blades, hoses, belts, and other parts or fixtures and perform general clean up at the shredder.
  • Report all equipment deficiencies or malfunctions for maintenance or repair to the proper supervisor.

Internal Control Responsibilities
Supports the Company's Internal Control process which includes understanding, communicating, and complying with defined internal controls as well as suggesting and making modifications to the policies, procedures, and controls to better relate to the business. Communicates upward problems in operations, noncompliance with the code of conduct, or other policy violations or illegal actions.
Interpersonal Contacts
Direct contact with Shredder Operations Supervisor, and operations production employees, and customers. Face-to-face and radio communication required daily.
Job Conditions
This position is regularly exposed to all weather conditions. Physical hazards such as noise, fumes, and dirt are present due to the equipment, machinery, and scrap as would be found throughout the scrap yard. Safety shoes, hearing protection, respirators, face shields, and additional personal protective equipment as needed, must be worn to eliminate the risks associated with these hazards. Travel is not required for this position.
Handling multiple issues regarding safety and maintenance increases pressure. Work load may be unpredictable and pressure can be substantial during peak times. Critical deadlines require considerable adaptability. Disturbances of work flow and/or irregularities in work schedule are expected and occur on an intermittent basis. Extra hours may be required, sometimes on weekends, weekdays, and holidays.
Physical Activities Required to Perform Essential Functions
Ability to: sit constantly; stand and walk frequently on uneven ground and throughout the yard; lift and carry up to 50 pounds consistently; push and pull occasionally when moving materials; crouch or bend at the knees consistently to move or access materials or equipment; stoop or bend at the waist consistently to move materials; reach at arms length and overhead frequently; twist and turn at the neck and trunk continually; climb occasionally when obtaining items; manual dexterity required as the Shredder Operator will handle, grasp, and manipulate controls constantly; communicate by speech and hearing continually. Visual acuity needed for close detail work and documentation. Mental dexterity needed as the Shredder Operator will work independently while demonstrating attention to detail and continuous awareness.
Qualifications
High School diploma or GED Certification preferred. Related training or experience preferred.
PLEASE NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
All U.S. applicants must be 18 years of age or older and all Canada applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
Radius Recycling participates in e-verify for all U.S. new hires.
An offer of U.S. employment by Radius Recycling or any of its subsidiaries is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a post-offer drug screen and background check.
All new hires must review and sign an Arbitration Agreement. This applies to all U.S. non-union employees.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Radius Recycling does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, marital status, disability status, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, age, prior industrial injury, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected status under local, state or federal law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.