Michael Whinfrey, 42, from Wickersley in Rotherham, died after the explosion at the Sterecycle waste plant on Sheffield Road on Tuesday.
The father-of-three was airlifted to Leeds General Hospital but later died.
Peter Lindon Davis, 51, from Barnsley, remains in hospital with "potentially life-changing injuries".
South Yorkshire Police said Mr Davis received injuries to his head and body and was in a serious but stable condition in the Northern General Hospital.
An investigation into the explosion was under way.
Sterecycle chief executive officer Tom Shields said: "We will urgently investigate the causes of the incident and ensure that all necessary actions are taken."
Operations at the plant have been suspended.
Police said the explosion caused damage to parked cars on Sheffield Road, which was closed for nearly three hours.
Two men involved in an explosion at a waste recycling plant in Rotherham in which one of them died were "best friends", police have revealed.