Recycling Center Operator

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that there are 136,000 refuse and recyclable material collectors in the country. These recycling operators earn as much as $50,320 annual salary. When you decide to become part of the industry, not only will you be able to contribute to recycle efforts but you will also have a well-paying job!

What the Job Is

In general, a recycling center operator will collect, segregate, and recycle the various trash of the community. You might be required to gather the refuse from homes and businesses, transfer them into trucks for transport into the recycling center, and recycle them according to standardized methods and procedures.

Depending on the technology used, you may either manually lift garbage cans/recycling bins or empty big dumpsters with the use of a hydraulic lift. Either way, you will be assigned specific routes with shifts starting as early as 5 o'clock in the morning.

Among the items to be collected and recycled are paper materials, glass bottles and plastic items. No need to worry though as you will be required to wear safety gear like gloves and masks to protect against germs, cuts and diseases.

How Is It Green?

When you recycle, you contribute to the reduction of the refuse that fill the Earth's landfills and incinerators. Thus, you have a direct hand in the Earth's well-being in the sense that pollution is lessened by your recycling efforts.

Also, you are helping in the conservation of the Earth's resources like water, timber and minerals. This, in turn, sustains the environment for many more years to come.

Type of Person Who Is Good For the Job

Desirable personal qualities for the job include ability to work with various people, good communication skills to educate individuals and institutions about recycling, and the willingness to handle and recycle refuse that otherwise would be icky where you not involved in this line of work.

Training/Schooling Required

Actually, you only need a high school diploma and be of legal age to work in the industry. Expertise will come through on-the-job trainings, company-sponsored seminars on safety and even from reading books and publications.

Recycling Center Operator

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