Sorter

GreenWaste; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Holiday pay

401K benefits

FSA

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Job summary

GreenWaste is seeking a sorter to manually separate recyclable and non-recyclable materials from a conveyor belt at our San Jose facility. You will help maintain material quality, support operations, and uphold safety standards.

Ideal candidates can stand for long periods, follow procedures, and communicate in English or Spanish while assisting with litter control and routine housekeeping as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be able to stand for long periods and perform repetitive sorting.
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs occasionally; some sites up to 40 lbs.
• Must have valid ID and work authorization to work in the US.
• English and/or Spanish communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Sort and separate recyclable and non-recyclable materials from a conveyor belt.
• Follow site safety rules and standard operating procedures.
• Meet productivity targets, e.g., 25–48 items per minute depending on operation.
• Support onsite projects such as litter control and housekeeping.

Skills

Material discernment

Punctuality

Team player

Safety compliance

Education

Work authorization in the US

Job description

About The Company

GreenWaste has been an industry leader in recycling and waste diversion for more than 40 years and is on a growth trajectory after private equity investment in 2021. Our business was founded on principles of environmental sustainability, and innovation is a cornerstone of our ongoing operations and growth strategy. GreenWaste specializes in all aspects of material collection, processing, and sales, tailoring our service offerings to the unique needs of our customers and communities, and helping to shape the evolution of the solid waste and recycling industry. We work directly with 20+ municipalities and 50+ jurisdictions, operate highly regulated facilities in 10+ locations, and have 1,000+ employees.

We are se eking dependable, safety‑focused, and engaged individual to join our team as a Sorter. This position is expected to work out of our office at 675 Los Esteros Rd in San Jose .

Position Summary

GreenWaste is seeking a Sorter who will be responsible for manually separating recyclable and non-recyclable materials from a conveyor belt at an assigned facility. This role plays a key part in maintaining material quality, operational efficiency, and workplace safety.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Properly follow company policies and OSHA safety procedures at all times.
• Sort and extract materials from a conveyor belt in accordance with site‑specific standards to minimize contamination and maximize recycling potential.
• Meet productivity expectations, which may include extracting approximately 25–48 items per minute, depending on operation type and material stream.
• Follow directions, daily procedures, and established protocols.
• Work safely and effectively in close proximity to others on either side of the conveyor belt to support operational efficiency.
• Stand for extended periods of time while performing repetitive hand and arm motions requiring good manual dexterity and hand‑eye coordination.
• Handle, move and transport materials and equipment as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned and assist with onsite projects such as litter control, routine maintenance and housekeeping as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to visually distinguish between different materials and commodities to sort items accurately.
• Dependable and punctual, with reliable transportation to support consistent attendance.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Willingness to follow safety rules, procedures, and supervisor direction.

Qualifications

• Valid government‑issued identification and authorization to work in the United States.

Language Skill

• Ability to communicate effectively in English and/or Spanish.

Physical Demands

(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Continuous standing, pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, and grasping throughout the shift.
• Use of both hands for repetitive sorting motions.
• Ability to climb stairs to access certain workstations, depending on site layout.
• Lifting requirements vary by operation type:
• C&D Sorter roles: Ability to lift and handle materials weighing up to 75 lbs occasionally.
• MRF and Compost Facility Sorter roles: Ability to lift and handle materials weighing up to 40 lbs occasionally.

Work Environment

• Fast‑paced industrial environment with exposure to loud noise, dust, heat, cold, odors, and sharp objects.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety glasses, work boots, safety vest, and gloves.
• Work shifts and hours vary based on operational needs and daily tonnage; shifts may range from approximately 4 to 12 hours.
• Overtime may be required.
• Work location may be indoors or outdoors depending on site.

Compensation And Benefits

Financial compensation will be commensurate with applicable experience. GreenWaste offers a competitive benefits package, including paid time off, holiday pay, 401K benefits, FSA, and full employee coverage for medical, dental and vision insurance.

GreenWaste provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.