Recycling Coordinators
O*NET 53-1042.01 · SOC 53-1042
Recycling Coordinator is a solid career choice. Median pay is $63k a year with +3% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 54,900 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Coordinate curbside and drop-off recycling collection schedules.
- →Educate community members on accepted recyclable materials.
- →Track recycling tonnage data and prepare monthly reports.
- →Inspect recycling bins and collection sites for contamination.
- →Coordinate with haulers and processing facilities for pickups.
Education & How to Get In
Recycling Coordinator roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
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Work Environment
Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Recycling Coordinator involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Recycling Coordinator?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Recycling Coordinator Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Recycling Coordinators is projected to grow 3% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·42% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·34% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Recycling Coordinator make?
The median Recycling Coordinator earns $63k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Recycling Coordinator jobs?
Our model puts Recycling Coordinator at 49 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 42% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 34% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Recycling Coordinator a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 3% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 54,900 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Recycling Coordinator?
Most Recycling Coordinator roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Recycling Coordinator?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Recycling Coordinator career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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