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Shredder Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SA Recycling

Equipment Operator

Decatur, AL

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

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

SA Recycling

Equipment Operator

Odessa, TX

$17 - $23.25/hr

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

SA Recycling

Equipment Operator

San Angelo, TX · On-site

$16.50/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

Equipment Operator

Port Allen, LA

$20/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

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/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

Decatur, AL · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/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

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$16.75 - $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

Forklift Operator

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$16.75 - $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 Demands:

SA Recycling

Equipment Operator

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

$18 - $24.75/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

Forklift Operator

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16.25 - $19/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 & 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

Odessa, TX · On-site

$17 - $23.25/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.

More about Shredder Operator jobs
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Shredder Operator jobs near you
Shear/Heavy Equipment Operator

Shear/Heavy Equipment Operator

SA Recycling

Atlanta, GA

Full-time

Re-posted 8 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

The Shear Operator is responsible for the safe operation of metal processing equipment. Must have experience to be considered for this position Operating hydraulic, mechanical, or shearing equipment to shear, cut, or slit materials.

Job Duties

Including, but not limited to:
• Operate metal shearing equipment using safe work habits
• Observe shear operations to detect malfunctions and to notify maintenance.
• Lift raw materials, finished products, and packed items, manually or using hoists.
• Load and unload items from machines, conveyors, and conveyances.
• Safely clean equipment when jams occur
• Follow all procedures e.g. LOTOTO, Fall Prevention, and Fire Prevention
• Clean up work area at the end of shift
• Keep work areas neat and orderly
• Regular attendance and punctuality are essential job functions
• Organizing materials to have more effective use of space
• Dispose of various waste materials in the appropriate manner
• Inspection to ensure cleanup is completed
• Effective housekeeping in workplace area is an ongoing operation for safety and better hygienic conditions for all team members.

Qualifications

• Must have Expierience for this postion 
• Must pass a medical physical and drug test
• Must pass a background check
• Preferred – high school diploma or GED and/or foreign education acceptable
• Bi-lingual (English & Spanish) language skills a plus
• Ability to: communicate with others effectively; understand direction (written or oral) and use basic math skills as the job demands

Job Expectations

Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, & SA Recycling safety, health, & environmental rules, regulations, policies, & procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Work Environment: Scrap metal Recycling and shredder yard
• Equipment & Tools: Shredder & other metal processing equipment, Hoists, hydraulic motors, mechanics tools
• Physical Demand Level: Light to Moderate
• Work Capacity: Shredder Operator _ Work Capacity
• Sensory Demands: Hearing, vision, touch, smell and taste
• Hand Movements: Repetitive motions, gripping

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