Recycling Centre Operator
About the Role
We’re looking for a reliable, people-focused Recycling Centre Operator to join the team in a full-time position. This role will be located at EcoCentral’s Styx Mill site, helping customers sort materials and supporting day to day recycling and recovery. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, physical fitness, and a high level of initiative to work effectively across different teams. You’ll be on a six-days-on, three-days-off roster and play a key part in reducing landfill while providing a great experience for every customer.
Key Responsibilities
Guide customers on proper drop-off and sorting of materials
Identify, recover, and prepare items for reuse, recycling, or safe disposal
Maintain cleanliness and order on site and in work areas
Handle hazardous or restricted waste according to SOPs and training
Support container packing and bin movements using a forklift (training provided)
Work collaboratively across multiple teams and site locations
About You
Excellent communication and customer service skills
Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weather
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow set procedures
Flexible and adaptable; able to integrate well with different team cultures
Hold a full NZ driver’s licence
Forklift experience is a bonus, but full training and F endorsement support is provided
Why Join Us?
Full training in hazardous materials handling and forklift use
Supportive team culture with long-term staff retention
Health insurance and annual wellness checks
No two days the same – work across varied sites and teams
Make a tangible difference by helping divert waste from landfill
About EcoCentral
EcoCentral provides the backbone for waste diversion in Canterbury, striving to provide solutions that protect the natural environment that we call home. EcoCentral specialises in resource recovery - from rubbish to reusables, the team processes collections from the Canterbury region for households and commercial premises. EcoCentral’s mission is to lead and support best practice waste minimisation and provide enduring refuse and recycling services for South Island Councils, businesses, and communities.
The operations carried out by the team work to support EcoCentral’s goal, which is to play a leadership role in creating an economically sustainable circular economy for New Zealand. Across Canterbury EcoCentral operates three core facilities: EcoSort, a large semi-automated processing plant for the yellow bin recycling that is collected from around the region; three EcoDrop sites where people can drop off household rubbish, green waste, hazardous rubbish and items for reuse or recycling; and the EcoShop, located on Blenheim Road, where the team sells checked over reusable goods supplied by the EcoCentral Resource Recovery Centres.
EcoCentral is passionate about being a great place to work, offering an environment that promotes personal and professional development. To learn more about EcoCentral visit www.ecocentral.co.nz
How to Apply
If you’re physically capable, customer-focused, and ready to roll up your sleeves for a meaningful job, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your CV and cover letter via SEEK.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace.
Please note we will progress recruitment as applications are received.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. If you’re curious but not sure you meet every requirement, we’d still like to hear from you.