Workers at Pallion Recycling Centre are balloting for industrial action that will shut the site this summer.
Private company SUEZ, which runs the plant, wants to introduce 'bag splitting' - asking workers to open residents' black bags and search them for recyclable materials.
GMB members have raised multiple safety concerns, including the lack of proper protection from the risk of needles and dangerous chemicals.
So far SUEZ has not listened.
The ballot closes on Friday, 30 May, - with any industrial action expected in June.
A petition calling for a reversal of the decision is now live.
Thomas Albrighton, GMB Rep, said:
“What the lads at Pallion are being asked to do is completely unacceptable.
“Bosses have put profits above the wellbeing of the workforce - they've been forced in to a strike vote to protect their own health and safety.
“If the site managers think this is such a good idea, they should get their own hands dirty and take a shift on the frontline, splitting bags and searching rubbish.
“GMB won't stand by whilst our members are being put at risk. It's time for Sunderland leaders to step in and stop this proposal.”
