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Recycling Technician

Operation and maintenance
of recycling machinery & facilities; coordination of materials sorting systems, shipping and receiving of recycled materials.

Why It's Cool?!

How to Get There?

Education & Certifications

Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) Operations Certification

Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)

Industry-recognized professional certification covering recycling facility operations, material identification, equipment safety, and contamination reduction.

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Internships

Recycling & Waste Diversion Intern

SUNY Climate Corps

Paid placement with NY state agencies developing recycling programs, waste reduction strategies, and circular economy infrastructure.

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Mentors

Chaz Miller

Director of Policy, National Waste & Recycling Association

National recycling policy leader with decades of practitioner mentorship and industry connections.

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Mentorship Network

Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)

Professional association for solid waste and recycling professionals with certification, mentorship, and career development.

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Susan Collins

President, Container Recycling Institute

Leading recycling policy researcher and practitioner advocate with broad industry connections.

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Mentorship Network

Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI)

Trade association with workforce development, safety training, and professional mentorship for recycling industry technicians.

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