Recycling Operator

Hours: 6:45AM to 7PM 2/2/3

Pay Rate: $19 per hour

Job Summary

The AZEK Company/Return Polymers Wilmington division is seeking a Recycling Operator I to join our Recycling team. This is a hands-on manufacturing role for individuals who are safety-focused, mechanically inclined, and comfortable operating industrial equipment in a fast-paced production environment.

The Recycling Operator I is responsible for safely operating and supporting recycling equipment and processes, maintaining material flow and quality standards, and identifying and responding to equipment or process issues. Successful operators are expected to develop proficiency across multiple areas of the recycling process and work independently after completing required training.

This position reports to the Recycling Production Supervisor.

Performance Expectations & Key Responsibilities

1. Safety & Compliance Performance

You are expected to maintain a safe work environment at all times by:

• Following all plant safety procedures without exception

• Consistently using proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to prevent unsafe equipment use

• Responding correctly and immediately to all emergency alarms and plant alerts

• Demonstrating safe behavior in all forklift and equipment operations

• Actively contributing to an incident-free workplace

1. Equipment Operation & Reliability

You are expected to safely and effectively operate equipment to support continuous production by:

• Operating a forklift safely and efficiently to move and stage materials

• Supporting and/or operating sort deck operations to ensure proper material flow

• Performing pre-shred operations, including staging and preparing materials for processing

• Completing bale loading operations safely and accurately for shipment or storage

• Following all start-up, shutdown, and operational procedures as trained

• Reporting equipment issues promptly to minimize downtime

1. Material Quality & Processing Performance

You are expected to maintain high standards of material accuracy and quality by:

• Accurately identifying and sorting plastic materials according to specifications

• Ensuring materials are properly separated and directed through the correct process flow

• Supporting consistent production of clean, usable output materials

• Reducing contamination through attention to detail and correct sorting practices

1. Workplace Organization & Standards

You are expected to maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment by:

• Following 5S and housekeeping standards at all times

• Keeping work areas organized, safe, and free of hazards

• Supporting smooth workflow through proper staging and material placement

• Maintaining compliance with plant organization expectations

1. Teamwork & Operational Support

You are expected to contribute to overall team success by:

• Communicating issues or concerns clearly and in a timely manner

• Working collaboratively with supervisors, maintenance, and quality teams

• Following direction while also taking ownership of assigned tasks

• Supporting shift goals and helping maintain production flow

Performance Standard for Success

You are considered successful in this role when you:

• Work safely every shift with no preventable safety violations

• Maintain consistent production support with minimal downtime impact

• Accurately sort and handle materials with low contamination levels

• Operate equipment safely and efficiently as trained

• Maintain clean, organized, and compliant work areas

• Demonstrate reliability, accountability, and teamwork in daily work

Equal Opportunity Employer

The AZEK Company has been acquired by James Hardie. James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with brands including Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®. With 8,000+ employees worldwide, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.