Recycling Coordinator Career Profile

What the role involves

Recycling Coordinators may work with councils, businesses, schools, events, buildings or community programs to improve the way materials are collected, sorted, reused and recycled.

The work often includes education, logistics, contractor liaison, data tracking, contamination reduction and practical problem solving.

Typical employers

Recycling Coordinator roles in Australia may be found with:

• local councils
• waste and recycling companies
• large workplaces and facilities
• schools, universities and hospitals
• events and venues
• sustainability consultancies
• community reuse or repair organisations

Key tasks

• coordinate recycling collections, bins, signage and systems
• run recycling education and behaviour-change activities
• monitor contamination and recommend improvements
• liaise with cleaners, contractors, tenants, schools or residents
• collect data on recycling volumes, contamination or diversion rates
• support reuse, repair, organics or circular economy projects
• prepare reports and practical improvement plans

Skills and qualities

Recycling Coordinator work suits people with practical environmental awareness, strong communication and careful attention to detail. Useful skills and qualities include:

• organisation and coordination
• communication and education skills
• understanding of recycling streams and contamination issues
• data tracking and reporting
• problem solving in operational settings
• stakeholder engagement
• commitment to waste reduction and circular economy principles

Qualifications and pathways

Useful study options and pathways may include:

• Certificate III or IV in Waste Management
• sustainability, environmental management or resource recovery training
• experience in waste operations, logistics, education, administration, facilities or community engagement
• short courses in waste auditing, behaviour change or circular economy may be useful

Recycling Coordinators may progress into Waste Education Officer, Resource Recovery Coordinator, Circular Economy Officer, Sustainability Officer or Waste Services Manager roles.

Salary and job outlook

Recycling Coordinator salaries can vary depending on the employer, location, level of responsibility and whether the role is focused on operations, education, council services, facilities management, waste auditing, resource recovery or circular economy projects. Roles that include reporting, contractor management, staff supervision or program coordination may attract higher pay.

Where jobs are usually found in Australia

Jobs occur in councils, schools, workplaces, universities, hospitals, shopping centres, events, waste contractors and resource recovery programs.

Tips for getting started

• build practical knowledge of recycling streams and contamination
• gain experience in education, operations or facilities management
• learn basic waste audit and reporting methods
• highlight successful behaviour-change or sustainability projects
• show that you can work with contractors, cleaners, residents or staff

Related environmental careers

• Waste / Recycling Officer
• Circular Economy Officer
• Sustainability Officer
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
• Sustainable Procurement Officer
• Resource Recovery Officer