20 Recology Interview Questions and Answers

Recology is a waste management company that provides garbage, recycling, and composting services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Recology has a long history of environmental stewardship and is committed to helping its customers reduce their waste and increase their recycling and composting.

If you’re applying for a job at Recology, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience, qualifications, and availability. In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of Recology interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Recology Interview Process

The interview process at Recology can vary depending on the position you are applying for, but generally consists of a phone screening, followed by one or more in-person interviews. The phone screening is typically conducted by a human resources representative, and is used to determine if you have the basic qualifications for the position. If you pass the phone screening, you will be scheduled for an in-person interview, which may include multiple interviews with different members of the Recology team. The in-person interviews are usually more focused on your personality and fit with the company culture, and may also include questions about your experience and career goals.

1. What are your thoughts on the current state of waste management?

This question is a great way to gauge your passion for the industry and how you feel about current issues. Interviewers want to know that you are committed to making positive changes in the waste management industry, so be sure to highlight any ideas or opinions you have on the matter.

Example: “I think there’s still a lot of room for improvement when it comes to waste management. I would love to see more recycling programs implemented at schools and businesses because I believe education is one of the best ways to change people’s habits. Another thing I’d like to see is more composting facilities being built. It seems like many communities don’t have access to this service, which is unfortunate.”

2. How would you handle a customer who was upset with their service?

This question can help the interviewer assess your customer service skills. It’s important to be empathetic and respectful when handling a difficult situation with a client, so it’s helpful if you have experience doing this in previous roles.

Example: “I would first try to understand why they were upset. I would apologize for any inconvenience caused by our services and explain how we could improve their next experience. If the customer was still unhappy after my explanation, I would offer them a discount on their next visit or arrange for someone else from the company to speak with them.”

3. Why do you want to work at Recology?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something specific about Recology that attracted you to apply for the position.

Example: “I applied for this position because I was impressed with your commitment to recycling and environmental sustainability. I have always been passionate about protecting our planet, so I would love to work at a company that shares my values. I also really like how transparent Recology is when it comes to its operations. It’s clear that you prioritize transparency in all of your business practices.”

4. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an angry customer, how did you handle it?

This question is a great way to see how you handle conflict and stress. It’s important for employees in this field to be able to diffuse situations with customers, so employers want to know that you have the skills to do so effectively. In your answer, try to show that you can remain calm under pressure and solve problems quickly.

Example: “I once had a customer who was upset because we missed their trash pickup. I apologized profusely and explained why it happened. They were still upset, but I stayed calm and listened to them vent about the situation. After they vented, I offered to give them a discount on their next bill as an apology.”

5. Describe your experience working with trucks and heavy machinery.

Recology employees often work with trucks and heavy machinery, so the interviewer wants to make sure you have experience working with these types of vehicles. Use your answer to highlight any previous experience you have driving a truck or operating heavy machinery.

Example: “I’ve worked as a driver for over five years now, so I’m very comfortable behind the wheel. In my last position, I drove a large recycling truck that picked up trash from businesses and residential areas. I also operated a front-end loader at my current job, where I sorted through recyclables and loaded them into the back of the truck.”

6. Do you have any experience operating heavy equipment?

This question is a great way to determine if you have the physical capabilities to operate machinery at this facility. If you do not, it’s important to explain what experience you do have and how that relates to operating heavy equipment.

Example: “I’ve never operated heavy equipment before, but I am familiar with its operation. In my last position as a recycling technician, we had a large truck that would come in and pick up our recyclables. I was responsible for loading the truck each day, so I learned how to use the hydraulic lift on the back of the truck to load the bins into the bed. This helped me understand how to operate similar machinery.”

7. We need our drivers to be able to work independently. Can you describe a time where you worked by yourself for an extended period of time?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to work independently and how you can handle being alone. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight the skills that make you a good independent worker.

Example: “I’ve worked as a driver for my current company for five years now. During that time, I have had many routes where I was driving by myself for most of the day. In these situations, I would use my GPS system to ensure I was on track with my route. I also used my phone to record any notes or observations I made while out on the road.”

8. Have you ever been in charge of managing other employees? If so, tell us about that experience.

Recology is a large company that employs many people. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience managing others and how well you can do it. If you don’t have any management experience, talk about your ability to work with others and collaborate on projects.

Example: “I’ve never been in charge of managing other employees, but I am very good at working with my colleagues and collaborating on projects. In my last position, I worked as part of a team of three people who were responsible for collecting trash from the entire city. We had weekly meetings where we discussed our progress and challenges. This helped us stay motivated and focused on our goals.”

9. What is your favorite part about being a driver?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s personality and interests. It can also help you determine if they would be happy in this position, as it gives you insight into what motivates them. When asking this question, try to make it clear that you are looking for an answer that tells you something specific about their personality or background.

Example: “My favorite part of being a driver is getting to meet new people every day. I love learning about different cultures and hearing unique stories from my customers. I find that each person has something interesting to tell, and I enjoy making connections with others.”

10. What do you think is the most important part of providing good customer service?

Customer service is an important part of any job, but it’s especially crucial in a position that involves working with the public. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand how to provide good customer service and what they can expect from you if you’re hired. In your answer, explain what makes great customer service and share some examples of when you’ve done this in the past.

Example: “I think the most important part of providing good customer service is being friendly and helpful. I always try to greet customers with a smile and be as informative as possible. If someone has questions about our services or needs help finding something, I’m happy to assist them.”

11. Do you have any experience driving large vehicles?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your driving skills and experience. If you have no prior experience, it’s important to explain any other relevant driving experiences that may be similar.

Example: “I’ve driven large vehicles before when I was working at my previous job as a recycling truck driver. My route included many streets with tight turns, so I had to learn how to maneuver the vehicle while also collecting recyclables. It took some practice, but eventually I got the hang of it. Now, I’m comfortable driving in all types of conditions.”

12. We want our employees to be committed to safety. What do you think is the most important aspect of maintaining a safe work environment?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of safety procedures and how you would implement them in a work environment. When answering this question, it can be helpful to discuss the importance of safety and what you think are the most important aspects of maintaining a safe work environment.

Example: “I believe that safety should always be at the forefront of any work environment. I have worked in several different environments where safety was not a priority, but I found that these places were often more dangerous than others. In my current position, we had a lot of issues with safety because our supervisor didn’t prioritize it. However, when I became lead employee, I implemented new policies that made safety a top priority. We started having weekly meetings about safety and began implementing new safety measures into our daily routine.”

13. Are you comfortable working outside in all weather conditions?

Recology employees often work outside in all kinds of weather. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re prepared for the physical demands of the job. In your answer, let them know that you are physically fit and ready to handle any challenges that come with working outdoors.

Example: “I am very comfortable working outside in all types of weather conditions. I grew up on a farm where we had to do chores no matter what the weather was like. I’m used to shoveling snow, doing yard work in the rain and other outdoor tasks. I think my experience will help me be successful in this role.”

14. What does recycling mean to you?

This question is a great way to see how passionate you are about recycling and the environment. It also allows you to show your knowledge of what happens when materials aren’t recycled. You can answer this question by explaining why you recycle, or you can talk about some specific ways that you practice recycling in your daily life.

Example: “Recycling means a lot to me because it’s an important part of keeping our planet healthy. I try to be as eco-friendly as possible in my day-to-day life, so I make sure to recycle everything I can. For example, I always separate my trash into different bins at home and work. I also use reusable bags for groceries instead of plastic ones.”

15. What is your experience with handling money and operating a cash register?

This question is a good way to assess your experience with handling money and operating cash registers. It can also help the interviewer determine if you have any previous experience in this area, which may be beneficial for the position. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention how much responsibility you had when handling money or operating a cash register.

Example: “In my last job as a recycling center attendant, I was responsible for counting all of the recyclables that came into our facility each day. This included sorting through trash bags and weighing them on a scale before putting them into bins. I also counted the number of cans and bottles we received from customers at our recycling center.”

16. What do you think is the most important quality for someone working as a truck driver?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the industry and how you can be a valuable employee. You should answer by describing what you think is important in this role, but also include examples from your own experience that demonstrate these qualities.

Example: “I believe the most important quality for someone working as a truck driver is patience. This job requires driving long distances with heavy loads, so it’s important to have the ability to remain calm when things don’t go according to plan. I’ve had many experiences where my patience has helped me get through challenging situations, like when I was stuck in traffic or waiting for a shipment to arrive.”

17. What do you know about Recology’s Zero Waste initiative?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company’s values and goals. If you’re interviewing for an entry-level position, it’s likely that you won’t have much experience with this initiative yet, but if you’re applying for a more senior role, you may be able to discuss how you’ve helped support the Zero Waste program in the past.

Example: “I know that Recology has been working toward its goal of zero waste since 2012. I also know that they are one of the largest recyclers in the country, which makes them uniquely positioned to make a real impact on our environment. In my last job, I worked closely with a team of engineers who were developing new technology to help reduce landfill waste.”

18. What kind of hours are you available to work?

Recology employees often work long hours, sometimes in the evening or on weekends. Employers ask this question to make sure you are willing to work these kinds of hours. Before your interview, read through the job description and look for any information about typical hours. If there is no information available, it’s a good idea to ask what kind of hours the position requires.

Example: “I am typically able to work from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., but I can also work evenings and weekends if needed. My previous employer required me to work some late nights and weekend shifts, so I am used to that schedule.”

19. We like to hire people who are passionate about what they do. What are some things that motivate you?

Recology is a company that values passion and enthusiasm. They want to hire people who are passionate about recycling, the environment and helping others. When you answer this question, show them how much you care about these things. Explain why they’re important to you and what motivates you to do your job well.

Example: “I am passionate about recycling because I believe it’s our responsibility to take care of the planet. We have an opportunity to make a difference in the world by doing something as simple as recycling. It makes me feel good to know that I’m helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. I also love working with other people, so I enjoy being part of a team that works together.”

20. What would you do if you saw another employee not following company policy or procedure?

This question can help the interviewer assess your ability to follow rules and regulations. It also helps them determine how you would respond if a coworker was not following company policy or procedure, which could affect their work performance. In your answer, try to show that you respect authority and are willing to hold others accountable for their actions.

Example: “If I saw another employee not following company policy or procedure, I would first ask them about it in private. If they were aware of the violation but continued to do so, I would report it to my supervisor. If they were unaware of the violation, I would explain the situation to them and offer to assist with any questions they may have.”