Recycling specialist
Also known as: recycling and waste reduction specialist, community recyling coordinator, department store recycling co-ordinator, recycling team supervisor, outlet centre recycling co-ordinator, waste recycling co-ordinator
About this occupation
Recycling specialists research recycling policies and legislation, and supervise implementation in an organisation to ensure that waste management occurs according to regulations. They perform inspections, provide recycling equipment, and supervise recycling workers. They also advise organisations on ways they can improve their waste management procedures.
A specialisation of environmental engineer.
Essential skills and knowledge
- coordinate shipments of recycling materials
- build business relationships
- train staff on recycling programs
- research recycling grant opportunities
- promote environmental awareness
- develop recycling programs
- update licenses
- identify new recycling opportunities
- waste management
- carry out environmental audits
- inspect recycling procedures
- maintain recycling records
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers (O*NET 11-9199.11). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Identify environmental contamination sources.
- Coordinate on-site activities for environmental cleanup or remediation projects to ensure compliance with environmental laws, standards, regulations, or other requirements.
- Identify and apply for project funding.
- Plan or implement brownfield redevelopment projects to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with applicable standards or requirements.
- Estimate costs for environmental cleanup and remediation of land redevelopment projects.
- Conduct quantitative risk assessments for human health, environmental, or other risks.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Enterprising, Realistic
Top skills: Complex Problem Solving, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Coordination
US median pay: US$141,900 a year (2025), 622,190 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.0)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (3.6)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.6)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.5)
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryImportant (3.3)
- BiologyO*NET: BiologyImportant (3.1)
- Environmental ScienceO*NET: Biology + GeographyImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Environmental Restoration Planners
- Environmental Engineers
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Conservation Scientists
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
- Water/Wastewater Engineers
- Water Resource Specialists
- Industrial Ecologists
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.