Title: Sorter

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt      

Reports To: MRF Manager                      

Pay: $23.78 hr.

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 seeking dependable, safety‑focused, and engaged individual to join our team as a Sorter. This position is expected to work out of our office at 625 Charles St. in San Jose and limited job-related travel may be required.

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.