How to become a Recycling Worker

Also called: Recycling Sorter

Performs routine tasks in a recycling facility, such as sorting, packing and storing plastics, glass, paper, metals and other recyclable materials that have been collected from household, commercial and industrial premises in preparation for use in creating new products.

Main tasks

• Inspects materials for contamination and removes non-recyclable items
• Sorts and packs materials for further processing
• Operates machinery and equipment to assist in the recycling process
• Monitors and maintains inventory of recyclable materials
• Follows safety procedures and guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Waste Management (CPP30719); Certificate IV in Waste Management (CPP40919)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $78,988 a year
• About 12,400 people work in this job group now, and about 12,900 are projected by 2035. (+3.7%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Cement and Concrete Plant Worker
• Chemical Plant Worker
• Fabric and Textile Factory Worker
• Glass Processing Worker
• Metal Engineering Process Worker
• Paper and Pulp Process Worker

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Recycling Worker?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Waste Management; Certificate IV in Waste Management.

How much does a Recycling Worker earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $78,988 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Recycling Worker a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 12,400 to about 12,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Recycling Worker?

Usually not. Only 5% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Waste Management; Certificate IV in Waste Management.

Will AI change the work of a Recycling Worker?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04