Recycling Coordinators
SOC code 53-1042 · O*NET-SOC 53-1042.01 · Little to some preparation needed · Transportation
What does a recycling coordinator do?
Supervise curbside and drop-off recycling programs for municipal governments or private firms.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Oversee recycling pick-up or drop-off programs to ensure compliance with community ordinances.
- Assign truck drivers or recycling technicians to routes.
- Maintain logs of recycling materials received or shipped to processing companies.
- Create or manage recycling operations budgets.
- Prepare bills of lading, statements of shipping records, or customer receipts related to recycling or hazardous material services.
- Supervise recycling technicians, community service workers, or other recycling operations employees or volunteers.
- Inspect physical condition of recycling or hazardous waste facility for compliance with safety, quality, and service standards.
- Negotiate contracts with waste management or other firms.
How to become a recycling coordinator
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 47% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)47%
- Bachelor's Degree30%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree23%
Common questions
Can you become a recycling coordinator without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Speaking3.9/5
- Active Listening3.6/5
- Critical Thinking3.6/5
- Reading Comprehension3.5/5
- Monitoring3.5/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- Administration and Management4.0/5
- Administrative3.8/5
- Education and Training3.7/5
- Production and Processing3.6/5
- Mathematics3.6/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Public Safety and Security3.4/5
Transferable strengths: Management of Personnel Resources, Coordination, Time Management, Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness.