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Recycle Technician

SBM Management · Aurora, IL · $16.80–$17.30 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 25, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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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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The full job description

As published by SBM Management.

Title: Recycle Technician Job Description: Compensation: $16.80-$17.30 Shift: Sunday - Wednesday 6:00PM-4:30AM Job Overview The Recycle Technician will be responsible for the recycle, reuse, and reclamation, program. Roles & Responsibilities To perform this job successfully and safely, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. • Comply with safety rules, policies, and procedures • Stop at risk behavior of others and self • Perform work assignments in a team with other employees • Perform repetitive tasks • Maintain clean work area • Follow all company procedures, policies, and rules • Take direction and respond to supervision • Talk with lead, supervisor, co-workers, managers, and customers in a professional manner • Maintain logs and schedules • Support shift lead in completing punch-list items • Use proper personal protective equipment • Present a professional appearance and conduct • Understand customer service and satisfaction • Understand reporting systems and importance of the environment • Collect, salvage, and sort reusable or recycle materials or waste materials • Inspect and sort materials • Maintain dock and collection areas • • Work with multiple collection containers Qualification To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job safely. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. Education and/ or Experience: High school diploma or GED with 1-2 years of recycling experience in a company environment or equivalent combination of training and experience - preferred Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: CPR/AED/First Aid certification a plus. A valid driver's license may be required for this position based on business needs. Employees required to drive as part of their job duties must maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and meet company driving eligibility requirements . Completed all safety and task training certification. May be required to be forklift certified. May be required to have Hazardous Waste Handling Training per RCRA. Completed all safety and task training certifications Knowledge, Ability, Skills: Bilingual a plus Ability to read and interpret instructions, procedures, manuals, and other documents. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge of cleaning methods, equipment, and willing to share with team. Knowledge of the upkeep and care of the cleaning equipment. Knowledge of cleaning compounds and chemicals, and their safe, efficient use. Supervisory Responsibilities This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Physical Demands & Work Environment • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or listen. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Benefits: SBM offers comprehensive benefit packages. For information about SBM's benefits, please visit SBM's website at: www.sbmmanagement.com/careers Careers – SBM SBM Management Services, LP and its affiliates are proud to be equal opportunity workplaces. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, sex, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or other legally protected status.

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