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Recycling and Reclamation Worker

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All About Recycling and Reclamation Workers

Recycling & Reclamation Worker Job Description Prepare and sort materials or products for recycling. Identify and remove hazardous substances. Dismantle components of products such as appliances.

Recycling & Reclamation Worker Responsibilities

  • Operate shredders to reclaim steel from discarded appliances.
  • Clean recycling yard by sweeping, raking, picking up broken glass and loose paper debris, or moving barrels and bins.
  • Extract chemicals from discarded appliances, such as air conditioners or refrigerators, using specialized machinery, such as refrigerant recovery equipment.
  • Operate balers to compress recyclable materials into bundles or bales.
  • Cut discarded products, such as appliances and automobiles, into small pieces using saws, blow torches, or other hand or power tools.
  • Sort materials, such as metals, glass, wood, paper or plastics, into appropriate containers for recycling.

Recycling & Reclamation Worker Needed Skills

Below is a list of the skills most Recycling and Reclamation Workers say are important on the job.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

  • Recovery Assistant
  • Materials Sorter
  • Computer Recycling Worker
  • Picker and Sorter, Load and Unload
  • Reclamation Worker

What Kind of Recycling & Reclamation Worker Job Opportunities Are There?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 263,500 jobs in the United States for Recycling and Reclamation Worker. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.4% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 11,600 new jobs for Recycling and Reclamation Worker by 2026. There will be an estimated 31,400 positions for Recycling & Reclamation Worker per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Recycling & Reclamation Worker are Nevada, Florida, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Delaware, Maine, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does a Recycling & Reclamation Worker Make?

The average yearly salary of a Recycling & Reclamation Worker ranges between $20,140 and $55,910.

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Recycling and Reclamation Workers who work in Wyoming, Alaska, or New Mexico, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Recycling and Reclamation Workers in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $28,700
Alaska $56,120
Arizona $37,420
Arkansas $30,450
California $34,400
Colorado $35,420
Connecticut $36,610
District of Columbia $55,860
Florida $28,220
Georgia $30,030
Hawaii $30,260
Idaho $29,640
Illinois $36,920
Indiana $37,710
Iowa $43,290
Kansas $28,950
Kentucky $28,520
Louisiana $38,140
Maine $34,510
Maryland $36,850
Massachusetts $37,970
Michigan $38,980
Minnesota $37,930
Mississippi $28,030
Missouri $31,610
Montana $33,320
Nebraska $27,990
Nevada $36,910
New Hampshire $34,340
New Jersey $33,160
New Mexico $50,040
New York $36,960
North Carolina $32,350
North Dakota $34,200
Ohio $35,750
Oklahoma $31,400
Oregon $34,610
Pennsylvania $39,650
Rhode Island $36,540
South Carolina $35,660
South Dakota $46,940
Tennessee $31,000
Texas $33,240
Utah $30,150
Vermont $32,590
Virginia $30,080
Washington $35,250
West Virginia $29,570
Wisconsin $34,000
Wyoming $54,480

What Tools & Technology do Recycling and Reclamation Workers Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Recycling and Reclamation Workers may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Work scheduling software

How do I Become a Recycling & Reclamation Worker?

Individuals working as a Recycling and Reclamation Worker have obtained the following education levels:

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What work experience do I need to become a Recycling & Reclamation Worker?

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Where do Recycling and Reclamation Workers Work?

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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