Waste Management & Recycling Coordinator

Coordinate waste reduction, recycling, composting, and hazardous waste management programs for municipalities, corporations, universities, and industrial facilities. Conduct waste audits, manage vendor relationships, track diversion metrics, and develop educational campaigns to improve recycling participation and reduce contamination. Ensure compliance with state and local solid waste regulations and support zero waste certification programs.

Median salary: $62,000. Projected growth to 2033: 7% (as fast as average) - driven by zero-waste targets and extended producer responsibility regulations. Typical education: Associate's Degree.

At a glance

Median salary: $62,000
Entry-level: $38,000 - $50,000
Senior: $90,000+
Growth by 2033: 7% (as fast as average) - driven by zero-waste targets and extended producer responsibility regulations
Demand: Growing
Remote: Hybrid
Hours per week: 40-50 hours/week
Stress: Low

What you'd do

People interaction: Extensive
Team vs solo: 60% Team / 40% Solo
Client facing: Frequent
Impact visibility: Moderate

How to get there

Minimum education: Associate's Degree
Licensing: No
Years to mid-career: 2-4 years
Years to senior: 5-8 years
Career switching: Easy
Typical student debt: $10,000 - $25,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

Solid Waste Regulation Compliance
Waste Audit Methodology
Recycling Contamination Reduction
Composting Program Management
Hazardous Waste Manifesting (RCRA)
Waste Diversion Metrics & Reporting

Soft skills

Organizational Skills
Community Engagement
Written Communication
Vendor Management
Attention to Detail

Technical complexity: Low

Typical career path

Recycling Technician
Waste Management Coordinator
Senior Coordinator
Waste Management Manager
Director of Sustainability