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What does a recycling worker do?

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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Recycling worker responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real recycling worker resumes:

  • 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.

Recycling worker skills and personality traits

We calculated that 41% of Recycling Workers are proficient in Recyclable Materials, OSHA, and Loaders.

We break down the percentage of Recycling Workers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Recyclable Materials, 41%

    Collected recyclable materials from curbside.

  • OSHA, 35%

    Design and print OSHA GHS labels and DOT labels for shipping and storing hazardous waste.

  • Loaders, 12%

    Drive forklift, front end loaders and Bobcat.

  • Power Lifts, 3%

    Operated forklifts, pallet jacks, power lifts to load bales or bundles for shipping.

  • Routine Maintenance, 3%

    Cleaned, inspected, and lubricated recyclable construction equipment and performed routine maintenance.

  • Place Materials, 2%

    Deposit recoverable materials into chutes or place materials on conveyor belts.

Most recycling workers use their skills in "recyclable materials," "osha," and "loaders" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential recycling worker responsibilities here:

All recycling worker skills

The three companies that hire the most recycling workers are:

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Recycling Worker Resume
Recycling Worker Resume
Recycling Worker Resume
Recycling Worker Resume
Recycling Worker Resume
Recycling Worker Resume
Recycling Worker Resume
Recycling Worker Resume
Recycling Worker Resume
Recycling Worker Resume
Recycling Worker Resume
Recycling Worker Resume
Recycling Worker Resume
Recycling Worker Resume
Recycling Worker Resume
Recycling Worker Resume

Compare different recycling workers

Recycling worker vs. Dismantler

The annual salary of dismantlers is $5,777 lower than the average salary of recycling workers.Even though recycling workers and dismantlers are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require osha, end loaders, and torches in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a recycling worker are more likely to require skills like "recyclable materials," "loaders," "aluminum cans," and "steel toe boots." On the other hand, a job as a dismantler requires skills like "hand tools," "dismantle," "safety standards," and "computer system." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

The education levels that dismantlers earn slightly differ from recycling workers. In particular, dismantlers are 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a recycling worker. Additionally, they're 1.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Recycling worker vs. Transfer station operator

On average, transfer station operators earn a $3,496 lower salary than recycling workers a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both recycling workers and transfer station operators have skills such as "loaders," "end loaders," and "hoisting. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real recycling worker resumes. While recycling worker responsibilities can utilize skills like "recyclable materials," "osha," "aluminum cans," and "steel toe boots," transfer station operators use skills like "equipment maintenance," "landfill," "roll-off truck," and "dot."

Transfer station operators earn similar levels of education than recycling workers in general. They're 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Recycling worker vs. Dispatch, machine runner

On average scale, dispatches, machine runner bring in lower salaries than recycling workers. In fact, they earn a $11,393 lower salary per year.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, recycling workers are more likely to have skills like "recyclable materials," "osha," "loaders," and "aluminum cans." But a dispatch, machine runner is more likely to have skills like "front desk," "can-do attitude," "assembly line," and "various maintenance."

Most dispatches, machine runner achieve a similar degree level compared to recycling workers. For example, they're 1.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Recycling worker vs. Waste management recycling technician

Waste management recycling technicians typically earn higher pay than recycling workers. On average, waste management recycling technicians earn a $8,291 higher salary per year.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A recycling worker uses "recyclable materials," "osha," "loaders," and "aluminum cans." Waste management recycling technicians are more likely to have duties that require skills in "dot," "epa," "waste disposal," and "hazardous waste management. "waste management recycling technicians reach similar levels of education compared to recycling workers, in general. The difference is that they're 3.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of recycling worker

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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