How to hire a recycling worker

How to hire a recycling worker, step by step

Here's a step-by-step recycling worker hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a recycling worker job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new recycling worker
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a recycling worker, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A recycling worker's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, recycling workers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of recycling worker salaries for various roles:

   Type of Recycling Worker	Description	Hourly rate
   Recycling Worker		$11-35
   Factory Worker	A factory worker is responsible for manufacturing products using appropriate machinery and equipment. Factory workers' duties include processing the products based on the required quantity and specifications, labeling and safely packaging the merchandise, ensuring that the items are free of any defects before distribution, monitoring the supply inventories, reporting defected machines and equipment, and maintaining the cleanliness of the production area... Show more	$10-18

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Recyclable Materials
   • OSHA
   • Loaders
   • Power Lifts
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Place Materials
   • Hoisting
   • Plastic Bottles

   Responsibilities:

   • Work at Y12 removing and bagging asbestos shingles from old buildings.
   • Assist customers with recycling of CRV beverages/containers.
   • Operate automated and semiautomate hoisting devices that raise refuse bins and dump contents into openings in truck bodies.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your recycling worker job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A recycling worker can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, recycling workers' average salary in wyoming is 44% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level recycling workers 68% less than senior-level recycling workers.
   • Certifications. A recycling worker with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a recycling worker's salary.

   Average recycling worker salary

   $41,623yearly

   $20.01 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level recycling worker salary

   $23,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average recycling worker salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	New York	$48,057	$23
   2	Maryland	$45,743	$22
   3	Massachusetts	$45,459	$22
   4	California	$44,806	$22
   5	District of Columbia	$44,179	$21
   6	New Jersey	$43,844	$21
   7	Virginia	$43,658	$21
   8	Illinois	$39,904	$19
   9	Louisiana	$39,177	$19
   10	Indiana	$38,904	$19
   11	Texas	$38,309	$18
   12	South Carolina	$36,776	$18
   13	Colorado	$36,144	$17
   14	Minnesota	$34,980	$17
   15	Florida	$33,730	$16
   16	Oklahoma	$33,248	$16

   Average recycling worker salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	SYSCOM	$82,382	$39.61
   2	Georgetown University	$54,520	$26.21	2
   3	University of Virginia	$49,102	$23.61
   4	Republic Services	$43,151	$20.75	7
   5	C G Co	$42,039	$20.21
   6	IH Services	$41,815	$20.10	1
   7	Manhattan Beer	$39,533	$19.01
   8	Casella Waste Systems	$37,316	$17.94
   9	College of Charleston	$32,766	$15.75
   10	ManpowerGroup	$32,122	$15.44	28
   11	Aerotek	$30,893	$14.85	156
   12	PeopleReady	$30,302	$14.57	102
   13	Mall of America	$27,579	$13.26

4. Writing a recycling worker job description

   A recycling worker job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a recycling worker job description:

   Recycling worker job description example

   **Republic Services is a leader in Environmental Services, partnering with customers to create a more sustainable world.**
   
   **We are Sustainability in Action - our promise to be environmentally responsible and to help our customers be environmentally responsible too.**
   **Why choose** **Republic?**
   
   **Joining Republic isn't just about taking on a new job, it's about making a commitment to create a more sustainable world together. Our people provide an essential service, serving and impacting customers, neighborhoods, and communities everywhere.**
   
   **As a company, we are proud of our values and encourage those who share in our aspirations to join our team:**
   
   + We protect our colleagues and communities through safe practices everywhere, every day.
   
   + We are committed to serving our customers and communities by going above and beyond to exceed expectations.
   
   + We take action to improve neighborhoods and communities by being environmentally responsible and creating a more sustainable world.
   
   + We are driven to deliver results in the right way.
   
   + We encourage a human centered culture that honors the unique potential and dignity of every person.
   
   POSITION SUMMARY: A Laborer is responsible for safely and efficiently performing general labor duties at a hauling company, transfer station, recycling center or landfill. Responsibilities may include such things as yard clean-up, fueling vehicles and equipment, general vehicle operation, general office maintenance and other related duties.
   
   PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
   
   + Safely and efficiently perform assigned responsibilities to include such duties as:o Clean up work areas;o Fuel vehicles and equipment;o Clean track on track type and related equipment;o Perform yard work, including mowing and paper pick up;o Operate general site vehicles and equipment, such as water trucks, pick up trucks, sweepers, mowers, trimming equipment, etc.;o Perform general office maintenance and repairs, including painting and janitorial work;o Install temporary wind fences, as required;o Direct traffic at the site as necessary; ando Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
   
   **Rewarding Compensation and Benefits**
   
   Eligible employees can elect to participate in:
   
   • Comprehensive medical benefits coverage, dental plans and vision coverage.
   
   • Health care and dependent care spending accounts.
   
   • Short- and long-term disability.
   
   • Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment insurance.
   
   • Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP).
   
   • Employee discount programs.
   
   • 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
   
   • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
   
   _The statements used herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by an employee in this position, and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required by an incumbent so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company._
   
   Republic Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, relationship or association with a protected veteran (spouses or other family members), genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right recycling worker for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with recycling workers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit recycling workers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your recycling worker job on Zippia to find and recruit recycling worker candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting recycling workers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new recycling worker

   Once you've selected the best recycling worker candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new recycling worker. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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