All news: circular economy + recycling
A woman entrepreneur drives green growth and job creation in Indonesia
In Indonesia, with support from the ILO, one woman entrepreneur is turning tradition into a growing business that creates jobs and promotes sustainable practices.
In Cameroon, waste is turning into jobs and dignity
In Yaoundé, a scrap metal recycling scheme has helped to clean up an urban site, generate income and improve working conditions for more than 150 people. This initiative illustrates a wider transformation of the waste sector towards greater...
From waste to opportunity, E-Waste project officially handed over in Limpopo
The ILO-supported E-Waste Project in South Africa, concluded on 20 March 2026 with a handover event marking its transition to local ownership. The initiative empowered 22 young people with skills in e-waste management, safety, and entrepreneurship,...
ILO and Thabazimbi municipality mark Global Recycling day with E-Waste awareness drive
Youth beneficiaries strengthen technical skills through E-Waste site visits and electronic waste dismantling training
Twenty-two youth from Limpopo strengthened practical e-waste skills through industry site visits and hands-on dismantling training in Johannesburg, supporting pathways to decent work and participation in South Africa’s circular economy.
New joint report
Between 121 and 142 million people are employed in the circular economy globally
A new report by the ILO, Circle Economy, the World Bank Group, and UN-PAGE urges policies for decent jobs, sustainable enterprises, and stronger social protections in the circular economy.
Recycling
New ILO guidelines chart path to decent work throughout recycling chains
The ILO has released its first-ever policy guidelines to advance decent work in recycling, offering governments, employers and workers practical steps to improve working conditions, strengthen social protection and support a just transition.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training trainers deliver entrepreneurship training to youth in E-Waste Project
The ILO and public Technical Vocational Education and Training colleges in Limpopo delivered SIYB entrepreneurship training to 22 youth in the E-Waste Youth Employment Project, strengthening local capacity and supporting youth-led green enterprises...
Turning awareness into action, Limpopo Province hosts International E-Waste Day 2025
The ILO, in partnership with DFFE, LEDET, and the Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality, marked International E-Waste Day 2025 in Limpopo under the theme “Recycle Your E-Waste – It’s Critical!” The event promoted responsible e-waste management, green...
Driving sustainable futures: E-Waste for Youth Employment Project launched in Limpopo
The project aims to empower youth, women, and persons with disabilities through technical training, entrepreneurship support, and market linkages within the e-waste recycling sector, contributing to circular economy in South Africa.
Press release
Pakistan moves to strengthen hazardous waste management in ship recycling sector
National workshop advances efforts to align shipbreaking practices with global standards, spotlighting worker protection and sustainable development at Gadani yard.
Memorandum of Understanding signed to drive sustainable development and decent work in Waterberg District
Just transition
People and data gathering key to build more circular economies, says ILO
The shift to a circular economy has the potential to create 7 million jobs globally. At the World Circular Economy Forum, the ILO underlined the need to design policies and actions that accelerate the transformation to a circular economy.
Circular Economy
A circular economy that works for everyone
Ensuring a just and jobs-rich transition to a sustainable future for all
EMG Nexus Dialogues on Sustainable Consumption and Production
Digitalization for Circular Economy and Green Jobs for Youth
The first nexus dialogue underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and policy coherence in realizing the full potential of digitalization as a catalyst for advancing the circular economy and creating green jobs for youth.
Circular Economy
Global South circular economy could generate millions of job opportunities
The use, re-use and recycling of products contributes to sustainable development and helps combat climate change.
ILO SCORE helps SMEs to move towards a Circular Economy and Net-Zero
This month’s SCORE Global Trainer Network Webinar focused on knowledge sharing and promoting the new SCORE Training module.
12th Academy on Social and Solidarity Economy - Elective 3: SSE, just transition to climate-neutral and circular economy: innovative ways...
Waste management
ILO’s first ever meeting on e-waste adopts Points of Consensus to promote decent work in the sector
Rapid technological advances and a rising demand for electronics has been accompanied by a flood of e-waste. It is a toxic stream of waste that poses a threat to human health, decent work and the environment. E-waste can also be seen as a resource...
Circular economy a source of job creation and re-creation
An ILO high-level round-table in the European Parliament brought together important actors in social and environmental movements to discuss how to bring about a just transition.