Recycling Operator

About the role

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

Safety & Compliance

• 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

Equipment Operation & Reliability

• 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

Material Quality & Processing

• 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

Workplace Organization & Standards

• 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

Teamwork & Operational Support

• 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

Pay

$19 per hour

Schedule

6:45AM to 7PM, 2/2/3 schedule