Recycle Technician
Posted Jan 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
About your past
This job runs Sunday through Wednesday, 6 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. How will that schedule work with the rest of your life?
What they are checking: Whether they can reliably work four 10-hour overnight shifts, which is the first thing that makes or breaks this hire.
Tell me about a job where you did the same task over and over. How did you keep from getting careless?
What they are checking: Whether they can stay accurate and safe through repetitive sorting work.
Tell me about a time you had to follow a process exactly even though you thought there was a faster way.
What they are checking: Whether they follow procedures and suggest changes through the right channel instead of making shortcuts.
What would you do
You find something in a bin that you don't recognize and it might be hazardous. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they stop and ask instead of handling unknown material, which protects them and the program.
How would you keep the dock and collection areas clean and safe during a busy night?
What they are checking: Whether they clear trip hazards and keep paths open even when material is piling up.
A coworker is lifting heavy containers with a bent back to save time. What do you say?
What they are checking: Whether they will stop at-risk behavior in others, which SBM asks of every worker.
A customer employee asks you why something can't be recycled. How do you answer?
What they are checking: Whether they can talk to client staff politely and clearly, since customer service is part of the role.
About the work
Have you sorted recycling or waste materials before? How do you make sure the right things go in the right container?
What they are checking: Whether they understand that a mixed or contaminated load can ruin a whole batch of recyclables.
The posting mentions maintaining logs. Why would a recycling program need to track what is collected?
What they are checking: Whether they see that accurate records support the customer's environmental reporting and goals.
What personal protective equipment would you expect to wear on this job, and why?
What they are checking: Whether they know gloves, eye protection and safety shoes protect against sharp and dirty materials.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by SBM Management.