Recycling technician vs dispatch, machine runner

The differences between recycling technicians and dispatches, machine runner can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a recycling technician and a dispatch, machine runner. Additionally, a recycling technician has an average salary of $33,687, which is higher than the $30,230 average annual salary of a dispatch, machine runner.

The top three skills for a recycling technician include recyclable materials, pallets and pallet jack. The most important skills for a dispatch, machine runner are front desk, , and .

Recycling technician vs dispatch, machine runner overview

	Recycling Technician	Dispatch, Machine Runner
Yearly salary	$33,687	$30,230
Hourly rate	$16.20	$14.53
Growth rate	1%	17%
Number of jobs	26,197	44,317
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	High School Diploma, 49%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	12	12

Recycling technician vs dispatch, machine runner salary

Recycling technicians and dispatches, machine runner have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Recycling Technician	Dispatch, Machine Runner
Average salary	$33,687	$30,230
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $41,000	Between $22,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	-
Highest paying state	Nebraska	-
Best paying company	SF-Marin Food Bank	-
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	-

Differences between recycling technician and dispatch, machine runner education

There are a few differences between a recycling technician and a dispatch, machine runner in terms of educational background:

	Recycling Technician	Dispatch, Machine Runner
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	High School Diploma, 49%
Most common major	Business	General Studies
Most common college	-	Duke University

Recycling technician vs dispatch, machine runner demographics

Here are the differences between recycling technicians' and dispatches, machine runner' demographics:

	Recycling Technician	Dispatch, Machine Runner
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 86.2% Female, 13.8%	Male, 63.5% Female, 36.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 6.6% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.0% Asian, 8.2% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between recycling technician and dispatch, machine runner duties and responsibilities

Recycling technician example responsibilities.

Handle hazardous materials according to OSHA standards.
Sort a variety of recycle materials such as concrete, drywall, plastics and wood into containers or bucket loaders.
Bale cardboard in baling machine.
Experience with torches, saws, shredders and balers.
Handle groundskeeper duties including mowing grass, removing weeds, and other landscaping.
Work independently, using judgment and discretion in making decisions that directly impact facility compliance.

Dispatch, machine runner example responsibilities.

Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assign station and service areas.
Supply materials to spindles, conveyors, hoppers, or other feeding devices and unload package product.

Recycling technician vs dispatch, machine runner skills

Common recycling technician skills

Recyclable Materials, 18%
Pallets, 13%
Pallet Jack, 10%
Routine Maintenance, 10%
Hazardous Waste, 9%
Troubleshoot, 8%

Common dispatch, machine runner skills

Front Desk, 100%

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Recycling Technician
Recycling Technician vs Dispatch, Machine Runner

Updated January 8, 2025

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