Recycling Coordinator

Career Guide

A Recycling Coordinator plans and runs recycling and waste reduction programs for a site, community, or organization. The role focuses on improving recycling participation, keeping materials out of landfills, meeting local rules, and tracking results such as diversion rates and cost savings.

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Key Responsibilities

Coordinate recycling pickup schedules and vendor service levels
Set up and maintain labeled recycling collection areas
Educate employees, residents, or customers on what can and cannot be recycled
Monitor contamination and improve sorting practices
Track volumes, costs, and diversion results
Prepare reports for leadership, property managers, or local agencies
Support waste reduction initiatives such as reuse and composting
Audit waste streams and identify improvement opportunities
Ensure programs follow local regulations and contract requirements
Respond to recycling questions and resolve service issues
Train site staff and custodial teams on proper handling
Order bins, signage, and educational materials

Top Skills for Success

Program Coordination

Communication

Stakeholder Management

Training Delivery

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Data Tracking

Report Writing

Vendor Management

Contract Basics

Recycling Knowledge

Waste Stream Auditing

Material Contamination Reduction

Regulatory Awareness

Site Walkthroughs

Bin Placement Planning

Signage Design Coordination

Diversion Rate Measurement

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Sustainability Coordinator Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator Facilities Manager

Waste Operations Supervisor

Zero Waste Program Manager

Transition Opportunities

Sustainability Manager Environmental Compliance Specialist

Waste and Recycling Program Manager

Operations Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Diversion Rate ReportingContamination AuditingVendor Performance TrackingRegulatory AwarenessBudget TrackingChange Management

Development SuggestionsPractice running a simple waste audit, build a monthly recycling dashboard, and create a clear one page sorting guide. Ask vendors for pickup data and contamination notes, then use that information to target education and bin placement improvements.

Market Intelligence Report

Recycling Coordinator is part of the Program Management category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 38,000 to 48,000

Mid LevelUSD 48,000 to 62,000

Senior LevelUSD 62,000 to 80,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand, supported by corporate sustainability goals, city recycling requirements, and cost pressure to reduce landfill fees. Hiring is strongest in large cities, campuses, manufacturing, healthcare, and property management.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Waste ManagementRepublic ServicesClean HarborsGFL EnvironmentalWaste ConnectionsRecologyVeoliaSUEZAramarkSodexo

Industry Sectors

Waste and recycling servicesLocal governmentProperty managementHigher educationHealthcareManufacturingRetail and distributionHospitalityConstruction and demolitionEvents and venues

Recommended Next Steps

Build a basic recycling program plan for a real site and document results

Create a tracking template for pickups, weights, costs, and issues

Learn local recycling rules and acceptable materials for your area

Develop a short training and deliver it to a small group

Shadow a waste hauler site visit or materials recovery facility tour

Earn a recognized certificate in recycling or sustainability fundamentals

Update your resume with measurable outcomes such as contamination reduction and cost savings