A man, critically injured after being caught in a recycling truck, has died.

Junior Hunt was operating an EnviroWaste truck in Wellington yesterday when the incident happened.

He was rushed to Wellington Hospital, where emergency surgery was performed.

The company says it's devastated by the tragedy, and has offered counselling to family and staff.

Mr Hunt's family have also released a statement, saying they will miss him more than words can say.

WorkSafe is investigating the incident, and EnviroWaste assures it's cooperating with them.