Sorter I

RECYCLE ANN ARBOR; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pay20.00 per hour

Full-Time Union position

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

5% 401(k) match

Employer-paid life insurance, short‑,

long-term disability

Voluntary critical illness, accident,

pet insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

RECYCLE ANN ARBOR in Ann Arbor, MI seeks a hands-on MRF Sorter I to sort materials on conveyors, inspect materials, and keep processes running smoothly. This full-time role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and teamwork in a fast-paced facility.

You will handle sorting tasks, operate around equipment, and participate in maintaining a clean, organized work area while adhering to all safety protocols and PPE requirements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Manual dexterity and ability to handle physical work.
• Reliable attendance and teamwork.
• Ability to follow safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Visually inspect and sort recyclable and non-recyclable materials.
• Remove contaminants to meet quality standards for mills and brokers.
• Separate materials by type, size, condition, color, or grade.
• Work on the tip floor, sort lines, and other areas.
• Keep stations clean, organized, and safe.
• Perform basic cleaning of equipment and workspaces.
• Assist with loading and unloading trucks.
• Report equipment issues to supervisors.
• Follow safety procedures, including Lock Out Tag Out.
• Arrive prepared, on time, with required PPE.
• Support additional tasks as assigned.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Positive attitude

Punctual and dependable

Flexibility of work schedule

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Details Job Location: Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Be Part of the Team That Keeps Recycling Moving

At our Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), every item you touch makes a difference. As a MRF Sorter I, you’ll play a critical role in keeping recyclable materials clean, valuable, and ready for reuse—helping turn everyday waste into something meaningful.

This is a fast-paced, hands-on position where you’ll work alongside a dedicated team, support essential operations, and contribute directly to a more sustainable future.

If you’re dependable, detail-oriented, and ready to put in honest work—this could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for.

Benefits:

• Pay20.00 per hour
• Full-Time Union position
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 5% 401(k) match
• Employer-paid life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability
• Voluntary critical illness, accident, and pet insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What You’ll Do

You’ll be on the front lines of the recycling process, working on conveyor systems and throughout the facility to ensure materials are properly sorted and handled.

• Visually inspecting and sorting recyclable and non-recyclable materials
• Removing contaminants so recyclables meet quality standards for mills and brokers
• Separating materials by type, size, condition, color, or grade
• Working on the tip floor, sort lines, and other assigned areas
• Keeping your station clean, organized, and safe
• Performing basic cleaning of equipment and workspaces
• Assisting with loading and unloading trucks
• Reporting equipment issues or malfunctions to supervisors
• Following all safety procedures, including Lock Out Tag Out
• Arriving prepared, on time, and ready to work with all required PPE
• Supporting additional tasks and team needs as assigned

This work is physical, fast-paced, and essential—and your attention to detail helps keep the entire operation running smoothly.

What It Takes to Succeed

We’re looking for people who show up, work hard, and take pride in doing the job right.

You’ll thrive here if you are:

• Reliable, punctual, and consistent with attendance
• Comfortable working in a team-oriented environment
• Able to take direction, feedback, and coaching
• Positive, respectful, and professional with coworkers and supervisors
• Focused on safety and quality in everything you do

Physical & Work Conditions

This role requires strength, stamina, and adaptability. You should be comfortable with:

• Standing for long periods (up to 12 hours per shift)
• Frequent bending, twisting, reaching, and lifting
• Lifting and moving up to 50 lbs. at times
• Working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions
• Exposure to dust, noise, strong odors, and varying temperatures
• Working around machinery and in confined or elevated spaces
• Using hand tools such as brooms, shovels, rakes, screwdrivers, and pliers
• Wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times

Important: This facility contains high-powered magnets. Individuals with pacemakers cannot work near these areas.

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Prior manual labor experience is helpful but not required
• Must have a valid state or federally issued ID
• Must be eligible to work in the United States

We provide training, what matters most is your willingness to learn and your commitment to showing up and doing the work safely and effectively.

Why This Role Matters

You’re not just sorting materials—you’re helping keep valuable resources in circulation and out of landfills. Every shift contributes to a cleaner community and a stronger recycling system.

This is meaningful, essential work where your effort is visible every day.

Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS:

• Manual dexterity
• Positive attitude
• Punctual and dependable
• Flexibility of work schedule

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Reliable, good attendance, punctual
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions and to complete assigned tasks on schedule.
• Ability to learn from directions, observations and mistakes and apply procedures using good judgment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others.
• Ability to work with supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lb.
• Not sensitive to motion sickness or strong odors
• Must be able to stand for at least 12 hours, 4 days/week
• Ability to work in all temperature conditions
• Constant bending and twisting, reaching and grabbing with hands
• Walking up and down stairs several times per day (all positions are upstairs)
• Sweeping and shoveling materials
• Work outdoors and indoors.