Recycling and Reclamation Workers

Career summary

Recycling workers and reclamation workers have related, but different jobs. Recycling workers sort and process materials, such as glass, plastic, and paper. They generally work with items that are made of just one material, like glass bottles. Reclamation workers process items made of many materials, such as cars and refrigerators. They reduce the items to their basic parts--plastic, copper, steel, glass, and so on.

Some recycling workers gather items for recycling. They drive recycling collection trucks and pick up materials from curbsides. They place items in the proper bins in the trucks. In areas with commingled recycling, workers do not have to sort the items. Other recycling workers collect materials at buy-back and drop-off centers. They direct customers to unloading areas and help them unload and sort materials. The sorted materials are sent to processing centers. Workers may clean the unloading area and move containers.

At processing centers, recycling workers sort materials such as concrete, glass, paper, drywall, plastics, metal, and wood. They clean the materials, if needed. At some facilities, workers sort items by hand. They place the sorted materials in containers or drop them down chutes. At other facilities, workers operate machines that sort items. For example, they use magnets to pull out specific metals. Some facilities sort recyclable materials from garbage. At these facilities, workers use machines or manually remove recyclable materials from the waste.

Reclamation workers work at salvage yards and recycling plants. They use special machinery to extract chemicals from air conditioners and refrigerators. After the chemicals are removed, they use tools such as blow torches and saws to cut up appliances and cars. They may feed appliances into a shredder to reclaim steel or other metals.

E-waste includes computers and other electronics. These contain metals such as chromium and lead. Workers remove these materials and sort them with other high grade metals like copper, brass, and aluminum. They label and sort parts and place them into containers.

Reclamation workers keep records of the recycled materials and waste chemicals they remove from products. They also follow strict rules when disposing hazardous wastes.

After recyclable materials are sorted and cleaned, workers process them for transport. They use grinders and chippers to break down the materials. Then they compress materials into bundles or bales. Workers also use forklifts and pallet jacks to load bundles and bales onto trucks for shipping.

The recycling equipment and trucks require maintenance. Workers keep records of the maintenance they perform on their heavy machines and trucks. They also keep records of the materials they receive, process, and ship.

Related careers

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Heavy Truck Drivers
• Light Truck Drivers
• Material Moving Machine Operators
• Operating Engineers and Construction Equipment Operators
• Route Salespeople
• Trash Collectors

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to recycling and reclamation workers.

• Operate shredders to reclaim steel and other materials from discarded household items.
• Collect and sort recyclable construction materials, such as concrete, drywall, plastics, or wood.
• Sort materials, such as metals, glass, wood, paper, or plastics, into appropriate containers.
• Extract chemicals from discarded appliances.
• Place recovered materials onto conveyor belts or into chutes.
• Clean recycling yard.
• Operate balers to compress recyclable materials into bundles or bales.
• Operate processing equipment to sort, crush, or grind materials.
• Clean materials according to recycling requirements.
• Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, power lifts, and front-end loaders.
• Record logs of recycled materials or waste chemicals.
• Dismantle wrecked vehicles.

Common work activities

Recycling and reclamation workers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Control machines and processes
• Handle and move objects
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Get information needed to do the job
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Teach others
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Develop and build teams
• Coach others
• Schedule work and activities
• Process information
• Guide, direct, and motivate others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, recycling and reclamation workers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social interaction.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other workers.
• Sometimes work as part of a team.
• Mostly communicate via face-to-face discussions.

Physical work conditions

• Always wear protective and safety gear.
• Are regularly exposed to contaminants.
• Work outdoors. May spend time indoors, especially recycling workers.
• Are often exposed to very hot and very cold temperatures, depending on the weather.
• Sometimes are exposed to loud or distracting sounds and noise levels.
• Sometimes work in very bright or dim lighting conditions.
• Occasionally are exposed to hazardous equipment.
• Travel around the work site in a variety of equipment, such as tractors and trucks.
• May work physically near other workers.

Work performance

• Must be somewhat exact when performing the job.
• Sometimes must match the pace of work with the speed of equipment.
• Sometimes repeat the same physical tasks.
• Usually set their daily tasks and priorities with input from a supervisor.
• Must meet weekly and monthly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work 40 hours a week.
• Usually work a set schedule.

Physical demands

Recycling and reclamation workers frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for recycling and reclamation workers to be able to:

• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Determine the distance between objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for recycling and reclamation workers to be able to:

• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• See objects in very low light.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.

Skills and abilities

Recycling and reclamation workers need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Perceive and visualize

• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Heavy Equipment Operations
• Truck and Bus Driving

Training

To work as a recycling and reclamation worker, you typically need to:

• be physically fit; and
• be at least 18 years old.

Education after high school

Recycling workers who drive heavy trucks need a commercial driver's license. Some states require you to complete a basic truck-driving training program. These programs usually take a few months to complete.

On-the-job training

Recycling and reclamation workers receive much of their training on the job. You usually work with an experienced worker who teaches you the job. You also receive training on safety regulations and how to identify certain grades of metal. Reclamation workers receive training on how to identify and remove materials from products that require special handling. Training usually lasts a few months up to a year.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Diesel Mechanics and Repair
• Driver Education
• Introduction to Mechanics
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career.  Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Some employers require recycling and reclamation workers to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require recycling and reclamation workers to be at least 18 years old and physically fit. They also require drivers to have a clean driving record.

Employers look for recycling and reclamation workers who are dependable and hardworking.

Costs to workers

Workers who belong to a union pay an initiation fee and monthly dues.

Licensing/certification

In Washington, recycling workers who drive recycling trucks with a gross weight of 26,001 pounds or more must have a commercial driver's license. Those workers who drive trucks that pick up hazardous wastes must have a special endorsement in addition to their license. State and federal laws require drivers to pass a complete physical exam every two years and carry a card signed by their doctor.

Information about Washington State requirements for commercial drivers can be obtained by calling a local driver's license examining station or by visiting the Department of Licensing  web page.

Reclamation workers who recycle refrigerated appliances must have a technician certification. This can be earned by completing a program approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency  and passing an exam.

#Checked licencsing & certification info 3/19/19 cj (EPA info is under 608 Technician Certification if searching EPA website). 2/11/20

Wages

Currently, there is no specific statewide wage information for recycling and reclamation workers. However, this occupation is part of the larger group called "all other production workers."

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary by area of the country and the worker's duties.

Full-time recycling and reclamation workers usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include paid vacation, health insurance, and sick leave. Some employers also offer a retirement plan.

National wage information is not available specifically for recycling and reclamation workers. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other production workers."

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, demand is influenced by the condition of and the market for recycled materials. The single-stream method of recycling and the addition of nonrecyclable items to collection bins, often contaminates recyclable goods and increases the cost to sort and clean these materials. It is sometimes cheaper to send contaminated materials to the landfill rather than recycle them. In addition,the overseas market for much of our recycled waste has recently decreased. To cut costs, many local governments send items that were once recycled to landfills. This is may impact the demand for recycling and reclamation workers.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Local government agencies (sanitation department)
• Trash collection companies
• Temporary worker agencies
• Waste treatment and disposal companies

National outlook

Demand is expected to grow about as fast as average for this occupation. As the population grows, more waste will be created. Some of this will be recycled and some will be trash. Workers will be needed to gather, sort, and process these materials. In addition, increased awareness of the environment will spur demand as more workers will be needed to properly dispose of hazardous wastes.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for recycling and reclamation workers. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other production workers."

Other resources

National Waste & Recycling Association 
1550 Crystal Drive, Suite 804
Arlington, VA 22202
800.424.2869
202.244.4700

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Recycling and Reclamation Workers (51-9199.01) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupation

• Laborer, Salvage (929.687-022) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Conventional/Realistic/Enterprising
• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Service Skilled