Recycling Associate

As a Recycling Associate, you will help ensure compliance with environmental and safety programs by facilitating company recycling efforts. The Recycling Associate is responsible foroperating heavy equipment including cardboard balers, pallet jacks, stock pickers, foam densifiers, shredders, and other recycling equipment. Recycling Associate’s are alsoquality control inspectors and remove unwanted or harmful materials while sorting recyclables.The ideal associate develops strategies to improve recycling efforts,adheres to quality expectations and standards, andhas excellent attention to detail.If you are eager to help the environment and make a difference, then AFW is looking for you! Job Responsibilities & Duties Typical duties include but are not limited to: Sorting various materials such as cardboard, Styrofoam, and scrap items into appropriate machinery for recycling. Transporting recyclables, scrap, and trash throughout the warehouse. Operating balers to compress recyclable materials into bundles or bales. Operating various equipment, such as forklift or pallet jack to load items onto trucks for shipping and pick up. Lock Out Tag Out (L.O.T.O) equipment as needed. Ensure department, walking lanes, and nearby areas are clean and professional. Cleaning and maintaining recycling equipment. Periodically empty all trash cans through the facility. Ensuring your safety and the safety of all others at all times. Perform regular maintenance and minor repairs on the recycling equipment as instructed. Collaborate with the maintenance team to make sure the grounds and the building are always properly cared and clean up to AFW standards. Report all equipment issues and potential liabilities along with recommendations for solving such issues to the AFW management team. Abide by all company policies and procedures. All other duties assigned by the Maintenance Manager as directed. This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Job Requirements Flexible schedule to work all shifts, including holidays and weekends. Ability to become certified in the operation of warehouse equipment. Ability to be trained on the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Prior experience operating warehouse equipment, such as forklift, pallet jack and cherry picker preferred. Have a strong independent work ethic. Excellent organizational skill and the ability to demonstrate attention to detail, and accuracy. Sense of ownership and pride in your performance and its impact on AFW’s success Ability to prioritize tasks when appropriate. Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment. Basic computer skills. Education & Experience High school diploma or GED is preferred.; equivalent combination of education and experience accepted in lieu of diploma. Certificates & Licenses None required. Recycling and Environmental Health and Safety certifications/licenses preferred. Compensation Pay Rate: Starting at $17/hour and up - dependent on experience Pay Grade A: $16.00-26.91 At AFW we offer great perks: weekly pay, benefits package (medical, dental, vision), 401k matching, and more! Physical Requirements Requires the ability to maneuver in confined and at times congested areas. Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, & bend for 8 hours a day. Requires constant use of arms, hands, fingers, eyes, legs, and back. Ability to move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing 50-100lbs Able to work shifts that are 8-12 hours long. Ability to work 0 to 35 feet above the ground. Able to work in various weather conditions. The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Physical Work Environment Fluorescent Lighting Climate effected by outside conditions including but not limited to extreme heat/cold Extreme temperature fluctuations in the warehouse. American Furniture Warehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. Working Safely is a Condition of Employment at American Furniture Warehouse – an Affiant Action Employer M/F/D/V. A pre-employment drug screen, background and fit for duty exam check must be passed upon job offer. Since 1975, our motto has been Under Promise and Over Deliver and this is exactly what we do on a daily basis! At AFW, we strongly believe in recognizing those who exemplify excellence, and reward them for contributing to our collective success. We strive to provide a great work environment for our employees and give them the knowledge and tools needed to provide our customers with an even greater buying experience. At American Furniture Warehouse We Do It Right the First Time! About Us American Furniture Warehouse is a retailer of home furnishings, operating in Colorado, Arizona, and Texas. With more than 3200 employees, we pride ourselves on our ability to offer value and service to our customers. When you join AFW you become part of a professional, customer service oriented company. AFW is seeking highly motivated, energetic, hardworking candidates to join our team. AFW offers highly competitive pay and a full benefits package that includes 401k, medical, dental, vision and a host of voluntary programs including life insurance, disability, all at affordable rates. Job Info Job Identification 11008 Job Category Building, Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Posting Date 07/22/2026, 03:45 PM Apply Before 08/07/2026, 06:00 AM Degree Level High School Graduate Job Schedule Full time #J-18808-Ljbffr