Recycling Workers

What the job involves

• Dismantles products (such as cars and appliances) and separates their components
• Identifies and removes hazardous substances (including chemicals from discarded appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators)
• Sorts materials, such as metals, glass, wood, paper or plastics, into appropriate containers for cleaning, recycling, processing, storing, shipping or grading
• Cleans materials (such as metals) according to recycling requirements and prepares them for production (such as cutting in preparation for fabrication or processing)
• Operates equipment, such as forklifts, automated refuse and manual recycling collection vehicles, to move materials for processing
• Deposits recoverable materials into chutes or places materials on conveyor belts
• Maintains a clean work area to ensure workplace safety
• Cleans, disassembles, repairs and maintains the recycling equipment so that it works properly
• Cuts discarded products (such as appliances and automobiles) into small pieces using saws, blow torches and other hand or power tools, for easier disposal
• May collect recyclable materials from curb sides for delivery to designated facilities

Key values of workers in Recycling Workers

• Working Conditions

  Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

• Relationships

  Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

• Achievement

  Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

• Recognition

  Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

• Independence

  Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Top skills required for workers in Recycling Workers

• 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.

• Operations Monitoring

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

• 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.