Reuse, reduce, recycle.
recycling workers and coordinators
work to reduce waste
and keep pollution out of earth’s air,
water, and ground.
Recycling and reclamation workers
collect recyclable materials
from curbside for delivery
to recycling facilities.
They prepare and sort materials
such as metals, glass, paper,
and plastics for recycling,
load them onto conveyors,
and load bundles onto trucks using forklifts.
Some workers sort construction materials,
and separate valuable metals for recycling.
They may also disassemble and cut up
appliances and cars with a blowtorch,
and safely dispose of hazardous substances.
Recycling coordinators supervise
curbside and drop-off recycling programs,
either for cities or private companies.
They make sure that recyclable goods
are moved from homes and businesses
to recycling centers
so that they can be reused.
They also keep detailed records
to track the benefits of recycling programs.
Recycling coordinators also hire and train staff,
and promote recycling efforts
in their communities.
They may negotiate to sell recyclable goods,
such as paper or aluminum,
to brokers and firms to reuse.
Most workers in these roles
need a high school diploma or equivalent.
Most recycling coordinators have supervisory
or management experience,
and some also have
an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.