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What is a recyclable materials collector and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a recyclable materials collector. For example, did you know that they make an average of $14.0 an hour? That's $29,114 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 6% and produce 358,300 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreRecyclable Materials CollectorUS Average
Salary
2.3

Avg. Salary $29,114

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.2

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
10.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.99%

Asian 2.46%

Black or African American 13.50%

Hispanic or Latino 15.71%

Unknown 3.46%

White 62.88%

Gender

female 6.25%

male 93.75%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
8.2

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.5

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a recyclable materials collector

  1. Explore recyclable materials collector education requirements

    Most common recyclable materials collector degrees

    High School Diploma

    58.6 %

    Bachelor's

    17.2 %

    Master's

    6.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific recyclable materials collector skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Recyclable Materials23.01%
    Hoisting21.28%
    Dump Contents13.71%
    Equipment Breakdowns9.51%
    Drive Trucks7.96%
  3. Complete relevant recyclable materials collector training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New recyclable materials collectors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a recyclable materials collector based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real recyclable materials collector resumes.
  4. Research recyclable materials collector duties and responsibilities

    • Operate automated and semi-automate hoisting devices on waste site.
    • Used pitch forks, shovels and similar hand tools to pick up general refuse and trash from curbside and other areas.
    • Return products to Comcast corporate locations
  5. Prepare your recyclable materials collector resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your recyclable materials collector resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a recyclable materials collector resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable recyclable materials collector resume templates

    Build a professional recyclable materials collector resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your recyclable materials collector resume.
    Recyclable Materials Collector Resume
    Recyclable Materials Collector Resume
    Recyclable Materials Collector Resume
    Recyclable Materials Collector Resume
    Recyclable Materials Collector Resume
    Recyclable Materials Collector Resume
    Recyclable Materials Collector Resume
    Recyclable Materials Collector Resume
    Recyclable Materials Collector Resume
  6. Apply for recyclable materials collector jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a recyclable materials collector job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first recyclable materials collector job

Zippi

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Average recyclable materials collector salary

The average recyclable materials collector salary in the United States is $29,114 per year or $14 per hour. Recyclable materials collector salaries range between $21,000 and $39,000 per year.

Average recyclable materials collector salary
$29,114 Yearly
$14.00 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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