Recycling and Reclamation Worker

Your Fit

Income

$39K

Preparation

Some

Growth

5.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Recycling and Reclamation Worker?

Recycling and Reclamation Workers are responsible for sorting recyclable materials from waste, preparing them for recycling, and operating machinery used in the recycling process. They play a crucial role in environmental conservation by facilitating the reclamation of materials and reducing waste.

Sample job titles:

Non-Ferrous Material Handler, Sort Line Worker, Sorter, Transfer Station Operator

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Recycling and Reclamation Worker.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Recycling and Reclamation Worker earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$31K per year	$35K per year	$39K per year	$46K per year	$53K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $11K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Recycling and Reclamation Worker do?

Work environment

These workers typically operate in recycling plants, waste management facilities, or similar environments. The job can be physically demanding and may involve exposure to various materials, including some that may be hazardous. Workers usually wear protective gear and adhere to safety protocols.

Quick task list

Sorts and separates recyclable materials from waste.
Operates machinery for crushing, shredding, or compacting recyclables.
Cleans and prepares materials for the recycling process.
Follows safety guidelines and procedures.
Maintains records of materials processed.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Electronic Waste Recycling: Focusing on the recovery of valuable components from discarded electronic devices.
Hazardous Material Handling: Specializing in the safe processing of hazardous recyclables like batteries or chemicals.
Organic Waste Composting: Working with organic waste to produce compost.
Paper and Cardboard Recycling: Concentrating on the recycling of paper products.
Plastic and Polymer Processing: Specializing in recycling various types of plastics.

Description

Recycling and Reclamation Workers contribute significantly to environmental protection efforts. They sort through waste to extract recyclable materials, a process that requires keen attention to detail and knowledge of different types of recyclable materials. The job involves handling, cleaning, and preparing materials like glass, plastic, metal, and paper for recycling, ensuring that they are free of contaminants and sorted correctly.

Operating machinery is another key aspect of this role. Workers use balers, shredders, and crushers to process materials, requiring technical knowledge and adherence to safety protocols. Maintenance of equipment and regular checks to ensure operational efficiency are also part of their responsibilities.

Physical fitness is important in this role due to the manual handling of materials and operation of machinery. Workers need to be comfortable working in environments that can be noisy and sometimes dirty. Teamwork is often essential, as workers collaborate to manage and streamline the recycling process.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to environmental conservation and sustainability.
The opportunity to work in a growing industry focused on green practices.
The physical nature of the work and the opportunity to operate machinery.

You might make a good Recycling and Reclamation Worker if you are...

Passionate about environmental protection and sustainability.
Physically fit and comfortable with manual labor.
Interested in operating and maintaining machinery.
Able to work in a team and follow safety procedures.
Detail-oriented, particularly in sorting and handling materials.

Pros:

Fulfilling work in an environmentally important field.
Opportunities for growth in a sector focusing on sustainability.
Active, hands-on job that offers variety in daily tasks.

Cons:

Physically demanding work with potential exposure to hazardous materials.
Can involve working in unpleasant conditions (e.g., handling waste).
The need for strict adherence to safety protocols.

How to become a Recycling and Reclamation Worker

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally sufficient, with on-the-job training provided. Some positions may require additional certifications in handling specific types of materials or operating certain machinery.

High school preparation

Courses:

Environmental science courses to understand the importance of recycling.
Technical education for machinery operation skills.
Physical education to build stamina and physical fitness.
Chemistry for understanding material properties.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in environmental clubs or eco-friendly initiatives.
Volunteering with local recycling programs or community clean-up projects.
Part-time jobs or internships in waste management or environmental services.

Preparation after high school

Vocational training in waste management or environmental services.
Certifications in operating specific types of recycling machinery.
On-the-job training in recycling facilities to gain practical experience.

More resources

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Provides information on recycling and environmental conservation.
Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) - Offers resources and training in waste management.
Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) - A source for industry standards, safety, and advocacy in recycling.
National Recycling Coalition (NRC) - Offers networking and educational opportunities for recycling professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.