Recycle Operator

$37k to $42k

Houston, TX, United StatesPosted Nov 4, 2026

Against the Houston typical range

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: TX

  • Houston, TX, Salary Range: $18.00 - $20.00Hourly, Nexus Disposal is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer (M/F/V/D). We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and rewarding workplace for all employees. Schedule & Pay Work Days: Monday – Saturday Shift: 5:30 AM – 3:00 PM (hours may vary by season and weather) Hourly Rate: 18.00/HR Position Summary We are seeking a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our recycling and landfill diversion operations. This role involves operating a variety of heavy equipment and recycling machinery while also performing manual and semi-skilled labor in an open-air recycling environment. Unlike recycling assistants, this position requires less supervision, advanced equipment operation skills, and strong knowledge of recyclable materials.

Key Responsibilities

Safely operate heavy equipment including forklifts, wheel loaders, skid steers, excavators, backhoes, and bulldozers. Operate and maintain recycling machinery such as balers, wood grinders, shredders, and sorting stations. Inspect materials and sort by type, size, or condition into designated containers or piles. Sort recyclable materials including concrete, plastics, wood, metals (copper, brass, aluminum), and cardboard (OCC).

Assist with baler machine operations to prepare materials for shipment. Maintain a clean recycling yard (sweeping, raking, moving barrels/bins, removing debris). Direct drivers to proper loading/unloading areas and assist with material handling. Participate in weekly safety meetings and follow all safety guidelines. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Not required. Experience: 6+ months of relevant work experience preferred. Skills & Abilities Ability to perform physically demanding labor in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions. Comfortable working around strong odors, noise, dust, and debris. Capable of standing, walking, bending, lifting, and climbing for extended periods (up to 12 hours per day).

Able to lift up to 30 lbs regularly. Strong teamwork and communication skills. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Willingness to learn and follow safety procedures and recycling material identification. Work Environment Outdoor, open-air work site. Frequent exposure to dirt, odors, noise, rodents, and weather extremes.

Occasional exposure to occupational risks (cuts, burns, chemicals, etc.) Full range of body movement required.

Benefits

Nexus Disposal offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Paid Time Off and Holidays Company 401(k) Match Additional employee perks and programs

Description copied from Nexus Disposal's careers page. Read the full posting before you apply.

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