Quick role snapshot
Recycling yards and materials recovery facilities (MRFs) rely on general labourers to keep the flow safe and efficient:
sorting materials, maintaining clean lanes, and supporting loading/unloading under supervision.
Typical sites
- Outdoor yard lanes (bins, pallets, baled material)
- Indoor sorting line (conveyor / picking stations)
- Transfer/receiving zone (trucks, forklifts, spotters)
Typical shifts
- Day shifts are common; evenings/weekends may apply
- Overtime depends on province/site schedule
- Seasonality varies (construction & demolition volumes, municipal programs)
This role suits candidates who prefer practical, on-site work and can follow safety instructions consistently.
Hiring story
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What you’ll do on site
Exact tasks vary by employer, province, and whether the site is a yard, transfer station, or sorting facility.
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Requirements (skills & eligibility)
Baseline expectations
- Basic English communication (A2+ preferred): following instructions, signage, safety briefings
- Reliability and punctuality (site work is schedule-driven)
- Safety mindset: PPE compliance, hazard awareness, clean work habits
- Physical readiness: standing, walking, repetitive handling, lifting (project-dependent)
Documents & legal work basics (Canada)
- Valid identity documents (as required by employer policy)
- Work authorization required by law (open vs employer-specific permits vary by case)
- Some sites request background checks (especially secure facilities)
This page is informational. Legal eligibility is assessed by employer requirements and Canadian regulations.
Tickets & assets (nice-to-have)
- WHMIS / safety orientation (often provided on site, sometimes requested)
- Forklift ticket or yard equipment experience (only if licensed/authorized)
- Experience in waste sorting, demolition cleanup, warehouse, or outdoor yard work
- Driver’s license (site-dependent)
Pay (gross) & pay drivers
For recycling-yard/general labour roles, a realistic Canadian range is often around 18–26 CAD/hour gross,
with some sites lower for entry-level and higher for experienced or ticketed candidates. National self-reported averages for recycling worker roles are near ~20 CAD/hour. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Province & local market: large metros may pay higher; rural sites vary.
- Union vs non-union: unionized environments may have defined wage steps.
- Role scope: sorting line vs receiving/yard support vs baling/loader assistance.
- Overtime/premiums: overtime thresholds and shift premiums depend on provincial rules and employer policy.
Example reference points: Job Bank wage bands for material handler roles in BC show low-to-high ranges spanning ~17.85–34 CAD/hour depending on area and seniority. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Work conditions & safety
Environment
- Noise, dust, and odours can be present
- Outdoor exposure possible (rain/cold/heat)
- Vehicle movement (forklifts, trucks): strict awareness required
PPE & safe work
- Steel-toe boots are typically mandatory
- High-visibility vest, gloves, eye/ear protection (site policy)
- Follow lockout/tagout rules where applicable; never bypass guards
If a task or area feels unsafe, the correct action is to stop and request supervisor guidance.
Candidate portrait
You are a good fit if you…
This role is not for you if you…
- Ignore PPE rules or take shortcuts around moving equipment
- Prefer quiet, seated work rather than active on-site duties
- Cannot handle repetitive tasks or standing for long periods
- Dislike outdoor conditions (cold/heat/rain) when required
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How to apply (CV required)
- Create or upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
- Add skills, tickets/certificates, preferred provinces/cities, and availability
- Submit your application — shortlisted candidates are contacted
Keep your CV concise (1–2 pages). Include practical experience: yard work, warehouse, sorting line, cleanup, and any safety tickets.