Recycling Sorter - Open Continuous

COR Disposal & Recycling; Portland, Northern (OR, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Safety equipment provided

Vision insurance

Job summary

COR in Portland is seeking a Recycling Technician to sort recyclables and ensure materials are processed correctly according to facility guidelines. You will manually sort plastics, metals, cardboard and paper on a conveyor, remove contaminants, and assist with processing for shipping.

The role requires attention to detail, physical stamina, safety awareness, and ability to work with others in a fast-paced industrial setting.

Qualifications

• Experience in recycling or waste management preferred.
• Familiarity with different recyclable materials and contamination risks preferred.
• Certified or able to be certified in forklift operation.

Responsibilities

• Manually sort plastics, metals, cardboard, and paper from waste streams on a conveyor line.
• Separate non-recyclable items or contaminants to ensure quality control.
• Identify and remove hazardous materials to maintain safety.
• Assist with processing recycled materials for shipping or further processing.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Physical Stamina

Safety Awareness

Education

Forklift Certification

Tools

Conveyor Belt Operation

Job description

Founded in 1996, COR is Portland’s largest and most innovative waste and recycling company, recognized for its sustainability efforts and commitment to the local community. Our impact continues to grow as we serve more clients, engage with neighbors, and expand our diverse workforce. Recently, we’ve been in the spotlight for securing new funding, adopting cutting-edge technology, and forming exciting partnerships to divert more waste from landfills and help local businesses and governments reduce their carbon footprints. In 2023, we led the way by transitioning our fleet to R99 renewable diesel—the cleanest option available and proudly introduced Oregon’s first fully electric garbage truck.

OUR VISION

While we’ve seen incredible growth, we always prioritize people and planet over profits. COR is committed to making our world and our community a better place for all people, and for future generations. We invest in diversity, workforce development, and forward-thinking concepts like the COR Campus innovation hub that’s creating the future of Climate Tech and Oregon’s circular economy.

OUR VALUES

Our COR Values guide us every day in the way we work and interact with each other:

• Committed: we are committed to excellence, we possess strong work ethic, and we always do the right thing.
• Team Player: we show respect and openness to collaborate with others; we are always willing to lend a helping hand.
• Problem Solver: we think critically to identify and solve problems; we propose and implement thoughtful solutions.
• Get It Done: we focus on completing our work efficiently and on time, overcoming obstacles along the way.

BENEFITS

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Safety equipment provided
• Vision insurance

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Recycling Technician is responsible for sorting recyclable materials from non-recyclables and ensuring that items are processed correctly according to facility guidelines. This role is essential in recycling operations, contributing to environmental sustainability by improving material recovery and reducing waste contamination.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manually sort recyclable materials such as plastics, metals, cardboard, and paper from waste streams on a conveyor line.
• Separate non-recyclable items or contaminants to ensure quality control.
• Identify and remove hazardous materials to maintain safety.
• Assist with processing recycled materials for shipping or further processing.

Quality Control

• Ensure sorted materials meet facility standards and specifications for recycling.
• Monitor for incorrect items or contaminants that could damage processing equipment.
• Report recurring contamination issues to supervisors.

Equipment Operation and Maintenance

• Operate basic machinery like conveyor belts, compactors, forklifts, or balers as needed.
• Perform basic cleaning and maintenance of work areas and equipment.
• Report any equipment malfunctions or hazards immediately.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow all safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toe boots.
• Adhere to facility policies and environmental regulations.
• Participate in safety training and report incidents or unsafe conditions.
• Work with other sorters, machine operators, and supervisors to ensure efficient workflow.
• Communicate effectively to address issues such as conveyor jams or material backlogs.
• Other job duties as assigned.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Attention to Detail: Ability to quickly and accurately identify materials on a moving conveyor.
• Physical Stamina: Capability to stand for extended periods, lift heavy objects, and perform repetitive tasks.
• Safety Awareness: Understanding of safe practices in an industrial setting.

REQUIRED & DESIRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience working in recycling, manufacturing, or waste management preferred.
• Familiarity with different types of recyclable materials and contamination risks preferred.
• Certified or able to be certified in forklift operation.

PHYSICAL, DRIVING, TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Physical Demands: Standing, bending, and lifting materials for extended periods in a fast-paced environment.
• Conditions: Exposure to moving objects, loud noises, dust, odors, and varying temperatures, often in an industrial setting.