Recycling Center Attendant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of environmental sustainability, the role of recycling center attendants has never been more crucial.

As society strives towards a greener future, the demand for dedicated individuals who can effectively manage, process, and promote recycling efforts continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a recycling center attendant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager creating the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of a recycling center attendant’s role,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable recycling center attendant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Recycling Center Attendant Duties and Responsibilities

Recycling Center Attendants are responsible for overseeing the operations of a recycling facility, ensuring that all waste is properly sorted and processed.

This includes educating the public about recycling procedures, maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the facility, and performing routine maintenance on recycling equipment.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Receiving, sorting and processing recyclable materials like paper, plastic, and metal
• Operating and maintaining recycling equipment and machinery
• Ensuring that hazardous materials are disposed of according to regulations
• Educating the public about recycling procedures and regulations
• Maintaining records of the quantity and type of materials received and processed
• Inspecting and cleaning the recycling area to ensure it is in compliance with health and safety regulations
• Helping with unloading of recyclable materials from customer or delivery vehicles
• Directing traffic at the recycling center to ensure a smooth flow and safety of all patrons

 

Recycling Center Attendant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Recycling Center Attendant to manage operations at our recycling facility.

Your duties will include receiving and sorting recyclable goods, operating and maintaining recycling machinery, and enforcing center policies.

The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail, strong work ethic, and a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Familiarity with recycling operations and machinery is a plus.

 

Responsibilities

• Receive, sort and process recyclable materials from public drop-offs and collection vehicles.
• Operate and maintain recycling machinery and equipment.
• Ensure the cleanliness and orderliness of the recycling center.
• Enforce recycling center rules and policies.
• Track the weight and type of incoming materials.
• Assist the public with recycling and educate them about recycling protocols and procedures.
• Perform minor maintenance on recycling equipment and report major malfunctions to management.

 

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in recycling or waste management operations is a plus.
• Ability to operate recycling machinery and equipment.
• Basic maintenance skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to lift heavy materials.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Recycling Center Attendant
• Work Environment: Outdoor/Indoor recycling center. Work involves physical labor and standing for extended periods.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Recycling Center Manager or Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $35,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Recycling Center Attendant Do?

Recycling Center Attendants typically work for local governments or waste management companies.

They play a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability and waste reduction.

They are responsible for overseeing the drop-off of recyclable materials at the center, which include items like paper, plastic, glass, and metal.

They then sort these materials into appropriate categories for further processing.

Recycling Center Attendants also inspect the materials to ensure they are recyclable, rejecting items that are not accepted at the facility.

They monitor the recycling center to maintain cleanliness and order.

They often operate machinery to compact and bundle materials for transport.

They may also be responsible for keeping records of the amount and types of materials received.

Recycling Center Attendants are typically required to have good interpersonal skills, as they interact with the public, answer queries, provide information about recycling programs, and sometimes enforce center rules.

Their role is crucial in fostering a culture of recycling and environmental responsibility.

 

Recycling Center Attendant Qualifications and Skills

A successful Recycling Center Attendant requires a unique mix of skills and qualifications, including:

• Awareness of environment and recycling process to ensure proper sorting, storing and transporting of different types of recyclable materials.
• Physical stamina and strength for lifting heavy objects and standing or moving around for long hours.
• Knowledge about the use of heavy machinery such as forklifts, balers, and conveyors to handle the large volume of recyclable materials.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with customers and guide them regarding the proper disposal of recyclable items.
• Ability to maintain cleanliness and safety of the recycling center to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Good organizational skills for effective sorting and arrangement of recyclable materials based on their types.
• Problem-solving skills to address any challenges or disruptions in the recycling process.

 

Recycling Center Attendant Experience Requirements

Recycling Center Attendants typically require some experience in waste management or similar field.

Entry-level candidates may have gained experience through part-time roles or internships in waste management, municipal services, or environmental sectors.

These candidates can also gain hands-on experience in roles such as Waste Management Assistant, Environment Services Worker, or other roles related to waste disposal and recycling.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience often develop their skills in sorting recyclable materials, operating recycling equipment, and maintaining a safe and clean work environment.

Those with more than 3 years of experience may have a deeper understanding of the recycling process and regulations, and are often capable of handling more advanced responsibilities such as machinery maintenance and quality control of recyclable materials.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may have experience in supervisory roles and possess strong leadership abilities.

They may be prepared for roles such as Recycling Center Supervisor or Manager, where they oversee the daily operations of a recycling center.

 

Recycling Center Attendant Education and Training Requirements

Recycling Center Attendants typically require a high school diploma or equivalent education.

In this role, the key is to have knowledge about recycling processes, safety protocols and different types of recyclable materials.

This knowledge can be obtained through on-the-job training or vocational programs related to waste management or environmental sciences.

In addition to this, some Recycling Centers may require attendants to have certifications in handling certain types of hazardous waste.

These certifications are often provided through local environmental agencies or professional organizations.

While not always necessary, further education in environmental sciences, waste management or related fields can provide a comprehensive understanding of the recycling process and enhance career growth.

Moreover, soft skills like customer service, communication, and problem-solving abilities are crucial as attendants often interact with the public and resolve queries related to recycling processes.

The ability to operate heavy machinery may also be required for this role, and some centers may require a valid driver’s license.

Continuing education in the form of workshops, seminars or further certifications related to environmental sustainability can showcase an attendant’s dedication to their role and the environment.

 

Recycling Center Attendant Salary Expectations

A Recycling Center Attendant can expect to earn an average wage of $12.02 (USD) per hour.

However, this wage can vary based on factors such as experience, the location of the recycling center, and the specific responsibilities of the job role.

 

Recycling Center Attendant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Recycling Center Attendant need?

Recycling Center Attendants should have strong organizational skills to manage and sort various types of recyclable materials effectively.

They should also possess physical stamina for lifting and moving heavy items, and knowledge of recycling procedures.

Communication skills are also vital as they often interact with the public and need to be able to provide accurate information on recycling processes and regulations.

 

Do Recycling Center Attendants need specific qualifications?

Recycling Center Attendants generally do not need formal qualifications.

However, they should have a basic understanding of the recycling process, and some employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma.

Experience in a similar role can be an advantage, and some roles may require a valid driver’s license if the job involves transporting recyclable materials.

 

What should you look for in a Recycling Center Attendant resume?

A good Recycling Center Attendant resume should show evidence of relevant work experience, highlighting skills such as operating recycling machinery, sorting recyclable materials, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment.

If the role requires transportation, a clean driving record should be included.

References from past employers that can vouch for their reliability and work ethic can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Recycling Center Attendant?

A good Recycling Center Attendant is detail-oriented and able to correctly sort and manage different types of recyclable materials.

They should be reliable, hardworking, and physically fit to handle the demands of the job.

Good interpersonal skills are essential as they often interact with the public and other members of staff.

A commitment to environmental sustainability is also a plus.

 

What are the working conditions of a Recycling Center Attendant?

Recycling Center Attendants often work in outdoor or warehouse-like environments, and the work can be physically demanding as it involves lifting and moving heavy items.

They may be exposed to unpleasant smells or potentially hazardous materials and should follow safety procedures to protect themselves.

The work schedule can vary, with some centers operating on weekends or evenings.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the nitty-gritty of being a recycling center attendant.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about sorting waste.

It’s about shaping a sustainable future, one recyclable item at a time.

Armed with our trusty recycling center attendant job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to resource for creating spot-on job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Don’t forget:

Every sorted item is a step towards a greener planet.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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