Recycling Management

Job Summary

The Recycling Manager is responsible for overseeing all recycling operations, ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant collection, processing, transportation, and disposition of recyclable materials. This role manages daily facility operations, supervises employees, develops customer relationships, and ensures compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations while driving operational excellence and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

Manage daily recycling facility operations, including receiving, sorting, processing, storage, and shipment of recyclable materials.

Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve productivity and quality.

Monitor production performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Coordinate logistics for inbound and outbound material transportation.

Ensure proper inventory management and accurate material tracking.

Safety & Environmental Compliance

Maintain compliance with OSHA, EPA, state, and local environmental regulations.

Promote a strong safety culture through training, inspections, and corrective actions.

Conduct routine safety meetings and incident investigations.

Ensure proper handling and disposal of hazardous and regulated materials.

Team Leadership

Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate recycling staff.

Schedule employees to maximize productivity.

Provide coaching, performance feedback, and career development.

Foster teamwork and accountability throughout the organization.

Customer & Vendor Relations

Develop relationships with commercial, industrial, and municipal customers.

Coordinate with vendors, transport companies, and recycling processors.

Resolve customer issues promptly while maintaining high service standards.

Support business development by identifying new recycling opportunities.

Financial Management

Prepare operating budgets and monitor expenses.

Analyze operational costs and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Track key performance indicators (KPIs) including recovery rates, productivity, labor efficiency, and profitability.

Prepare operational and management reports.

Quality Control

Ensure recyclable materials meet customer and processor quality specifications.

Monitor contamination levels and implement corrective actions.

Improve material recovery rates through process optimization.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field preferred.

5+ years of experience in recycling, waste management, manufacturing, logistics, or industrial operations.

Minimum 3 years of management or supervisory experience.

Knowledge of recycling processes, environmental regulations, and waste diversion practices.

Experience managing budgets and operational performance.

Required Skills

Strong leadership and team management skills.

Excellent communication and customer service abilities.

Project management and problem-solving skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and inventory/ERP systems.

Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, DOT, and environmental compliance requirements.

Ability to analyze operational data and prepare reports.

Physical Requirements

Ability to work in indoor and outdoor industrial environments.

Ability to walk, stand, climb stairs, and lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Willingness to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Material recovery rate

Processing throughput

Safety performance (zero lost-time incidents)

Customer satisfaction

On-time shipments

Cost per ton processed

Equipment uptime

Revenue and profitability

Environmental compliance record

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance bonus opportunities