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How much do waste recycling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for waste recycling in the United States is $17.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in waste recycling, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in waste recycling often encounter challenges such as sorting contamination, fluctuating market demand for recyclables, and maintaining safety standards. Addressing these issues typically involves ongoing training in material identification, investing in updated sorting technologies, and adhering to strict health and safety protocols. Team collaboration is crucial, as workers frequently coordinate with collection crews, facility operators, and environmental specialists to optimize recycling processes and improve efficiency.

What is the difference between Waste Recycling vs Waste Management?

AspectWaste RecyclingWaste Management
Primary FocusProcessing and converting waste into reusable materialsOverall collection, disposal, and treatment of waste
CertificationsRecycling certifications, environmental safetyEnvironmental permits, waste handling licenses
Work EnvironmentRecycling plants, processing facilitiesLandfills, transfer stations, treatment plants
Industry UsagePart of waste management industry, focused on sustainabilityBroader industry covering all waste-related services

Waste Recycling specifically involves processing waste to recover materials, while Waste Management encompasses the entire waste lifecycle, including collection, disposal, and treatment. Both roles often require environmental certifications and operate within similar facilities, but their core functions differ in scope and focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Waste Recycling Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Waste Recycling Worker, you need basic knowledge of waste materials, safety procedures, and physical stamina, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with sorting machinery, conveyor systems, and protective equipment is typically required, and some roles may need certifications in hazardous materials handling. Attention to detail, teamwork, and reliability are valuable soft skills that help maintain efficiency and safety. These skills and qualities ensure proper recycling processes, minimize environmental impact, and support a safe workplace.

What does a waste recycling worker do?

A waste recycling worker is responsible for sorting, processing, and preparing recyclable materials for reuse or proper disposal. Their duties often include separating different types of recyclables, operating machinery, and ensuring that hazardous materials are handled safely. They play a vital role in reducing landfill waste and supporting environmental sustainability by making sure that materials like paper, plastics, glass, and metals are properly recycled.
More about Waste Recycling jobs
What cities are hiring for Waste Recycling jobs? Cities with the most Waste Recycling job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Waste Recycling jobs? The most popular types of Waste Recycling jobs are:
What states have the most Waste Recycling jobs? States with the most job openings for Waste Recycling jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Waste Recycling jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Waste Recycling jobs are:
Waste Recycling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Waste Recycling job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,287 per year, or $17.4 per hour.
Solid Waste & Recycling Coordinator

Solid Waste & Recycling Coordinator

University System of New Hampshire

Plymouth, NH

$12.86 - $21.11/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

University System Of New Hampshire rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 611 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Solid Waste & Recycling Coordinator will work under general supervision from the Manager, building services, to coordinate the collection, sorting and disposal of recyclable and refuse materials for the PSU campus. Be prepared to perform skilled and semi-skilled work involving the manual collection, separation, and shipping of recyclable materials collected from the University. Supervise the PSU waste and recycling program, including adjunct and student employees. We are seeking candidates with a high degree of initiative and resourcefulness, that can prioritize work for self and manage other employees as well.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Schedules, oversees, and performs a daily schedule of waste & recycling collection and disposal from various university facilities and for special events.

  • Installs and maintains clear and clean recycle signs, decals, containers, repairing, replacing as needed.

  • Performs Manual tasks that involve moving, lifting and removing heavy objects. (Must be able to lift 70 lbs.).

  • Documents & communicates vehicle conditions, recycling container conditions, recycling activity, proposes alternatives to route challenges, collects data, prepares reports on waste & recycle material collection to the Manager.

  • Insures compliance and communicates with contractual, local, state and national organizations and other external entities on best practices for recycling and refuse collection as directed by Manager.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Technical/high school graduation.

  • Valid operator's license to drive university vehicles and heavy equipment .

  • Sufficient strength and physical dexterity to perform duties and responsibilities of this job, including the ability to lift up to 70 pounds.

  • Computer skills.

  • Excellent communication skills.

  • Fork Lift Operator Certification.

  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

  • Demonstrated experience implementing new processes.

Plymouth State University offers high-quality baccalaureate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs. Through research and innovative community partnerships, the University contributes to the economic, social, cultural, and environmental development of the North Country and Lakes Region of New Hampshire and beyond.

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Compensation Pay Range:

$12.86 - $21.11

The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources

Location:

Plymouth

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