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Waste Recycling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Solid Waste & Recycling Opening Date: 07/27/2026 Closing Date: 8/17/2026 12:00 AM Eastern FLSA: Non-Exempt Joining the team at Gaston County Government means being part of a community that is ...

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Waste Recycling information

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How much do waste recycling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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?

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:
Infographic showing various Waste Recycling job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 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.

Manager, Commercial Origination (Waste/Recycling Sales)

Kimmel & Associates

Phoenix, AZ

$175K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

About the Company

Our client is a global leader in facility-level artificial intelligence solutions for the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Material Recovery Facility (MRF), and secondary sortation industries. Through advanced AI-powered infrastructure and proprietary operational capabilities, the company helps customers recover significantly more value from waste streams while reducing disposal costs and environmental impact.

The company's innovative Sortation-as-a-Service model enables customers to access fully funded, designed, built, operated, and maintained recovery facilities through long-term partnerships. By diverting 50-60% or more of inbound feedstock into valuable offtake streams, the organization is transforming the economics and sustainability of waste management across North America.

This is an opportunity to join a rapidly growing industry leader at the intersection of technology, infrastructure, and sustainability.

About the Position

The Manager, Commercial Origination will lead business development efforts across a designated geographic region, identifying, developing, and closing strategic opportunities with municipalities, waste haulers, recyclers, transfer stations, MRF operators, and other key stakeholders within the waste and recycling ecosystem.

This individual will serve as a market expert and trusted advisor, leveraging deep industry relationships and operational knowledge to originate new partnerships and drive long-term commercial growth. The successful candidate will understand regional waste flows, industry economics, operational constraints, and stakeholder dynamics, enabling them to structure complex agreements that create value for customers and the company alike.

Key Responsibilities

  • Identify, originate, and develop new commercial opportunities within the municipal solid waste and recycling sector.
  • Build and maintain relationships with municipal decision-makers, waste haulers, facility owners, recyclers, and other key market participants.
  • Analyze regional waste flows, infrastructure networks, contract structures, and market dynamics to identify strategic opportunities.
  • Lead the commercial process from prospecting through negotiation, contracting, and deal execution.
  • Collaborate with operations, engineering, and executive leadership teams to evaluate project feasibility and customer solutions.
  • Educate customers on the benefits of AI-enabled sortation technology and long-term infrastructure partnerships.
  • Develop business cases and commercial proposals that align customer objectives with company capabilities.
  • Navigate complex public-sector procurement processes and stakeholder engagement efforts.
  • Support long sales-cycle opportunities involving technology integration, infrastructure development, and operational transformation initiatives.
  • Represent the company at industry conferences, trade associations, and customer events.

Requirements

Experience

  • 10+ years of experience in commercial, business development, sales, or hybrid commercial/operational roles within the municipal solid waste, recycling, environmental services, or related infrastructure sectors.
  • Demonstrated success sourcing, developing, and closing business opportunities from initial identification through contract execution.
  • Experience working directly with municipalities and public-sector stakeholders.
  • Proven track record selling technology, equipment, infrastructure, or complex solutions requiring extended sales cycles.
  • Experience integrating new technologies or infrastructure into existing operational environments.

Industry Knowledge

  • Comprehensive understanding of regional waste and recycling ecosystems, including waste generation, collection, transportation, processing, disposal, and recovery channels.
  • Strong knowledge of industry economics, contractual structures, regulatory considerations, and operational challenges.
  • Ability to assess facility operations, material flow impacts, and infrastructure integration requirements.

Relationships & Leadership

  • Established network of municipal decision-makers, waste haulers, recyclers, transfer station operators, MRF operators, and related industry stakeholders.
  • Strong negotiation, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to influence both executive and operational audiences.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive, self-directed approach to opportunity development.

Education

  • Bachelor's degree preferred; relevant industry experience will be strongly considered in lieu of formal education requirements.

Benefits

  • Base Salary: $175,000 - $220,000
  • Annual Performance Bonus: 40% - 70% of base salary
  • Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Opportunity to participate in a rapidly growing sustainability-focused organization
  • Significant career growth potential within an innovative market leader
  • Exposure to transformative technology and infrastructure projects
  • Collaborative and mission-driven culture focused on environmental impact and operational excellence
Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Kimmel & Associates logo

About Kimmel & Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kimmel & Associates, based in Asheville, NC, US, is recognized as the premier leader in the executive search and recruitment industry. The company, in operation since 1981, serves numerous industries including construction, supply chain, waste, and recycling, specialty contractors, and private equity. Utilizing their exceptional knowledge and robust industry connections, they assist clients by filling crucial executive and managerial roles that directly impact business performance and growth. The company is guided by a strong corporate philosophy centered on respect, listening, humility, and continuous improvement. Their mission is to foster enduring relationships and to help industries thrive by connecting the brightest talent with superior companies.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Asheville, NC, US

Year founded

1981

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