Explore careers

Useful experience for recyclers/dismantlers includes:

• volunteer work at a community recycling centre
• repairing cars as a hobby
• forklift and loader driving
• factory or warehouse work.

Recyclers and dismantlers may do some or all of the following:

• buy and sort materials such as paper, plastics, glass or green waste for processing
• collect and dispose of solid and hazardous waste
• operate forklifts to load or unload materials
• assess vehicles to buy or buildings to deconstruct 
• remove all saleable parts from vehicles and buildings 
• sell vehicle parts for reuse and remnants for scrap metal
• sell salvaged building materials.  

Regular vacancies for recyclers  

Recycling is a growing industry, and employers regularly need people to fill vacancies because there is a moderately high turnover. 

Job opportunities for recyclers are best with businesses that contract to local council-run recycling schemes. However, job opportunities with commercial recycling companies are increasing. 

According to the Census, 816 recyclers/dismantlers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Government's aim to reduce landfill creates opportunities for recyclers

The Labour Government's goal to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, such as the introduction of a beverage container return scheme in 2022, is expected to increase opportunities for recyclers. 

The Government is also aiming to increase support for councils and businesses that recover and recycle more materials and this is expected to increase the demand for recyclers. 

Good opportunities for dismantlers

Opportunities for automotive dismantlers are growing due to steady demand from local panel beaters and overseas markets for mechanical parts. 

Opportunities for electronic waste dismantlers are also growing as more people recycle their e-waste and demand from overseas buyers for metals, such as gold and copper, from computer components increases.   

There are also opportunities for salvaging building materials, especially in Wellington as earthquake-prone buildings are brought up to Building Code standards. 

 Types of employers varied

Recyclers/dismantlers may work for local councils or community recycling businesses.

They also my work for private companies that specialise in:

• collecting recycling from households
• removing reusable waste from construction and demolition sites
• processing scrap metal
• car wrecking and recycling.

Recyclers/dismantlers may progress to set up their own business, or move into supervisor roles.  

Recyclers may specialise in recycling a certain type of material such as metal, plastic or glass.

Automotive dismantlers often specialise in dismantling certain types of vehicles such as trucks, four-wheel drives or Japanese cars.

Recyclers/dismantlers need to be:

• motivated
• efficient
• adaptable
• reliable and punctual.