Recycling

Recovering and reprocessing materials from households, businesses, dumpsites and elsewhere into new products, materials, or energy is a vital part of the circular economy.

Since recycling is performed by a wide range of workers from waste pickers, collectors, scrap dealers, and shipbreakers, to engineers, construction workers, farmers, retailers and care workers, many of whom operate in the informal economy, employment in recycling is difficult to quantify. ILO however estimates that at least 6.9 million workers are engaged in waste and recycling, and that a transition to the circular economy and increased recycling of materials could create at least 7 million additional jobs globally by 2030.

Yet, many current recycling jobs do not fully reflect green or decent work practices. Addressing decent work deficits in recycling requires integrated measures to formalize employment, strengthen occupational safety and health systems, develop skills and promote inclusive social dialogue across the recycling value chain. With such measures, recycling can play a pivotal role in advancing environmental goals while delivering decent work.

The Sectoral Policies Department (SECTOR)

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