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What is a recycler and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a recycler. For example, did you know that they make an average of $14.44 an hour? That's $30,026 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 56,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreRecyclerUS Average
Salary
2.3

Avg. Salary $30,026

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.2

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.80%

Asian 6.55%

Black or African American 10.41%

Hispanic or Latino 17.44%

Unknown 4.12%

White 60.68%

Gender

female 17.98%

male 82.02%

Age - 44
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 - 44
Stress level
5.2

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.1

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Recycler career paths

Key steps to become a recycler

  1. Explore recycler education requirements

    Most common recycler degrees

    High School Diploma

    51.6 %

    Diploma

    17.4 %

    Bachelor's

    16.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific recycler skills

    SkillsPercentages
    OSHA23.48%
    Basic Math17.45%
    Safety Regulations10.21%
    Recyclable Materials9.84%
    Cardboard Boxes5.91%
  3. Complete relevant recycler training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New recyclers 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 recycler based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real recycler resumes.
  4. Research recycler duties and responsibilities

    • Manage warehouse operations and maintain workflows and production schedules in alignment with company policies and federal regulations such as OSHA.
    • Recycle cans run a beller.
    • Calibrate instruments per ISO instructions.
    • Pick packing wraping sorting dismantle forklift
  5. Prepare your recycler resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your recycler 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 recycler resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable recycler resume templates

    Build a professional recycler 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 recycler resume.
    Recycler Resume
    Recycler Resume
    Recycler Resume
    Recycler Resume
    Recycler Resume
    Recycler Resume
    Recycler Resume
    Recycler Resume
    Recycler Resume
  6. Apply for recycler jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a recycler 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 recycler job

Zippi

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Average recycler salary

The average recycler salary in the United States is $30,026 per year or $14 per hour. Recycler salaries range between $21,000 and $42,000 per year.

Average recycler salary
$30,026 Yearly
$14.44 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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