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Shredder Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SA Recycling

Shredder Operator

Saint Louis, MO

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 ...

SA Recycling

Shredder Operator

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

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 ...

Inova

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 and ...

SA Recycling

Forklift Operator

Montgomery, AL

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

Shredder Operator _ Work Capacity • Sensory Demands: Hearing, vision, touch, smell and taste • Hand Movements: Repetitive motions, gripping

SA Recycling

Forklift Operator

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$17 - $19.75/hr

Shredder & other metal processing equipment, Hoists, hydraulic motors, mechanics tools • Physical Demand Level: Light to Moderate • Work Capacity: Shredder Operator _ Work Capacity • Sensory ...

SA Recycling

Equipment Operator

Wiggins, MS · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Shredder Operator _ Work Capacity • Sensory Demands: Hearing, vision, touch, smell and taste • Hand Movements: Repetitive motions, gripping Pay Rate: $16-18 Hour

SA Recycling

Forklift Operator

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

Shredder & other metal processing equipment, Hoists, hydraulic motors, mechanics tools • Physical Demand Level: Light to Moderate • Work Capacity: Shredder Operator _ Work Capacity • Sensory ...

SA Recycling

Forklift Operator

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

Shredder Operator _ Work Capacity • Sensory Demands: Hearing, vision, touch, smell and taste • Hand Movements: Repetitive motions, gripping

SA Recycling

Forklift Operator

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Shredder & other metal processing equipment, Hoists, hydraulic motors, mechanics tools • Physical Demand Level: Light to Moderate • Work Capacity: Shredder Operator _ Work Capacity • Sensory ...

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Shredder Operator information

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How much do shredder operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 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 is the highest paid machine operator?

The highest paid machine operators are often those working in specialized industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, or manufacturing with advanced skills and certifications. Shredder operators, a type of machine operator, typically earn competitive wages, but salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry demand. Generally, machine operators with extensive experience and technical expertise tend to earn the highest salaries.

What does a shredder operator do?

A shredder operator is responsible for operating and maintaining industrial shredders that break down materials such as paper, plastic, or metal for recycling or disposal. They monitor equipment, ensure safety procedures are followed, and perform routine inspections to keep the machinery running efficiently. Basic mechanical skills and safety training are often required for this role.

What's the highest paying job in waste management?

In waste management, senior roles such as waste management directors or environmental managers tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, relevant certifications, and strong leadership skills, and they oversee operations, compliance, and strategic planning within waste management companies.

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.

Is shredding paper a job?

Shredding paper can be a job, often performed by a shredder operator or document destruction worker. This role involves operating shredding machines, ensuring secure disposal of sensitive documents, and may require safety training and attention to detail.

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 jobs near you
Shredder Operator

Shredder Operator

SA Recycling

Saint Louis, MO

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

SA Recycling rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 75 rated recycling and waste

Job description

SA Recycling, a world leader in the metals recycling and processing industry, is actively looking for a dependable, diligent and safety-conscious Shredder Operator to join our production team. 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 reliability.

Experience with shredder or crushing operations and a mechanical background preferred, but we are willing to train the right candidate.

This position will work outside in varying weather conditions, and SA Recycling strictly adheres to all Metals Recycling Business Health, Safety, and Environmental standards.

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
  • Eligible for Safety and Profitability Bonuses
  • Advancement Opportunities

Responsibilities of a Shredder Operator

  • Operate and continuously monitor shredding plant equipment to include input and output conveyors, the shredder, and downstream equipment and systems.
  • Visually observe and direct activities of the shredding plant while in operation to maintain the proper flow of materials and communicate with co-workers to identify and prevent production disruptions.
  • Continually monitor and adjust shredder settings and materials input to ensure proper material size and quality, and to maintain production efficiency.
  • Complete pre- and post-shift plant inspections and routine preventative maintenance tasks.
  • Preform clean ups, greasing of bearings, and aid the maintenance team with repairs as needed.
  • Operate heavy equipment such as material handlers, front-end loaders, manlifts, etc. when not running the shredder or during maintenance and clean up periods.
  • Complete all required production, maintenance, inspection, and other reports as required; and immediately report any concerns, defects, or needed repairs to management.
  • Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, & SA Recycling safety, health, & environmental rules, regulations, policies, & procedures.

Qualifications of a Shedder Operator

  • High School diploma, GED Certification, or equivalent work experience.
  • Prior experience as a shredder operator in the metals recycling industry; or crusher operator in a plant or mining industry preferred.
  • Strong personal desire to learn new skills and to advance to higher levels of competencies.
  • Team player, dependable, motivated, and ability to effectively communicate well with others.
  • Mechanically inclined, with welding and torch experience.
  • Bi-lingual (English and Spanish) a plus.
  • Ability to follow instructions provided in written or oral form.
  • Ability to learn new tasks as assigned required.

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.

An offer of employment by SA Recycling is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a post-offer drug screen, physical exam, and background check with a credit check (if position specified). 

All US applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

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