How much does a Recycling Technician make?
Recycling technicians play a vital role in maintaining a sustainable environment. These professionals sort and process materials for recycling. On average, a recycling technician earns about $37,572 a year. This average salary can vary based on experience, location, and the specific employer.
Here’s a closer look at the salary breakdown for recycling technicians:
- 25% earn $27,000 or less.
- 50% earn between $27,000 and $33,216.
- 75% earn between $33,216 and $39,432.
- 90% earn between $39,432 and $45,647.
- 100% earn up to $61,187 or more.
What are the highest paying cities for a Recycling Technician?

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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $89,142
In San Diego, a recycling specialist takes part in a vibrant green economy. Companies like San Diego Gas & Electric push for sustainability. Employees benefit from diverse recycling programs, promoting a cleaner environment.
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Raleigh, NC
Average Salary: $51,580
Raleigh offers an upbeat atmosphere for recycling jobs. Workers here help in recycling initiatives for the city. Companies like Waste Management play a big role in city projects, making an impact on local sustainability.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $40,520
Atlanta is a hub for recycling efforts. Technicians in Atlanta work with organizations like Keep Atlanta Beautiful. They implement recycling programs that protect the city’s environment. The job is rewarding and focuses on making a real difference.
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Columbus, OH
Average Salary: $38,850
In Columbus, recycling technicians support the city’s green initiatives. They collaborate with local companies to manage waste effectively. The work emphasizes sustainability, with a focus on reducing waste and promoting recycling.
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Allentown, PA
Average Salary: $38,809
Allentown provides a hands-on role for recycling technicians. They work with local businesses to manage recycling programs. The city’s commitment to sustainability offers a fulfilling job experience for those passionate about the environment.
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Chattanooga, TN
Average Salary: $34,823
Chattanooga values its recycling technicians. They play a key role in the city’s sustainability efforts. Working with local companies, they help implement recycling programs that benefit the community and the environment.
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Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $34,338
Charlotte offers dynamic opportunities for recycling specialists. They work to enhance the city’s recycling programs. Companies in the area value sustainability, making it a great place for those interested in environmental work.
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Indianapolis, IN
Average Salary: $33,526
In Indianapolis, recycling technicians support green initiatives. They collaborate with local entities to improve recycling efforts. The city’s growing focus on sustainability provides a meaningful job with a positive impact.
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Eugene, OR
Average Salary: $33,125
Eugene offers a vibrant environment for recycling professionals. They work to advance the city’s recycling goals. Local organizations value their work, providing a fulfilling role in promoting sustainability.
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Tulsa, OK
Average Salary: $32,600
Tulsa provides a supportive environment for recycling technicians. They help implement programs that benefit the community. Working with local companies, they make a real impact on the city’s sustainability efforts.
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What are the best companies a Recycling Technician can work for?

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Evolution Industries
Average Salary: $47,021
Evolution Industries, based in California, offers Recycling Technician jobs with a focus on sustainable practices. The company operates multiple sites across the state, providing opportunities to work in various recycling facilities.
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The AZEK Company
Average Salary: $44,633
The AZEK Company, with locations in Arizona and Texas, offers Recycling Technician positions. They emphasize innovation in recycling processes and have a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
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EMR USA Metal Recycling
Average Salary: $43,667
EMR USA Metal Recycling, operating in Ohio, provides Recycling Technician jobs focused on metal recycling. Their operations span several sites in the state, offering a hands-on approach to recycling metal materials.
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American Furniture Warehouse
Average Salary: $38,684
American Furniture Warehouse, with locations in Illinois and Michigan, offers Recycling Technician roles. They focus on furniture recycling and provide opportunities to work in various retail and recycling environments.
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FHI
Average Salary: $37,000
FHI, based in Virginia, offers Recycling Technician jobs focusing on waste management. They operate multiple facilities in the region, providing a stable environment for recycling careers.
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Industrial Maintenance Inc.
Average Salary: $35,375
Industrial Maintenance Inc., operating in New York, offers Recycling Technician positions. They focus on industrial waste and have several facilities across the state.
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Rooms To Go
Average Salary: $35,000
Rooms To Go, located in Florida, provides Recycling Technician roles. They emphasize furniture recycling and have a presence in multiple locations across the state.
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ABM Industries
Average Salary: $34,552
ABM Industries, with operations in multiple states, offers Recycling Technician jobs. They focus on various recycling processes and have a nationwide presence, providing diverse opportunities.
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Service-Tech Corporation
Average Salary: $34,100
Service-Tech Corporation, operating in Colorado, offers Recycling Technician positions. They focus on recycling various materials and have facilities across the state.
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SBM Management Services, LP
Average Salary: $33,789
SBM Management Services, LP, based in Pennsylvania, offers Recycling Technician roles. They focus on waste management and have several facilities in the state.
How to earn more as a Recycling Technician?
A career in recycling can be both rewarding and impactful. Recycling Technicians play a key role in environmental conservation. If you aim to earn more in this field, consider these strategies to enhance your salary and career prospects.
First, gaining specialized certifications can lead to higher pay. Organizations like the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) offer valuable credentials. These certifications demonstrate your expertise. Potential employers may offer better salaries to certified technicians. Secondly, accumulating more experience in the field significantly increases earning potential. Technicians with more years in the industry often receive higher wages. Experience allows one to handle complex tasks more efficiently. Third, working in urban areas with higher demand for recycling services can lead to better pay. Major cities often have more recycling programs and facilities. Technicians in these areas may earn more due to increased demand. Fourth, pursuing a supervisory or managerial role provides higher compensation. These positions often come with higher salaries and additional benefits. They also offer opportunities for career advancement. Lastly, staying updated with the latest recycling technologies and practices can lead to better opportunities. Technicians who embrace new methods and innovations can offer more value to employers.
Consider these factors to increase your earnings as a Recycling Technician. Each step can open the door to better salary and career opportunities.
- Obtain specialized certifications.
- Gain more experience in the field.
- Work in areas with higher demand for recycling services.
- Pursue supervisory or managerial roles.
- Stay updated with the latest recycling technologies and practices.



