Policy guidelines for the promotion of decent work in recycling

Recycling is part of the circle of life. It is an essential service to the public that should safeguard health and the environment, as well as a key stage of the waste management value chain. It is also an important livelihood for millions of people. A centuries-old economic and ecological activity, recycling has continued to expand as global population, consumption and waste generation have increased. In addition, there are important sustainability demands from markets and regulators. 

This document provides guidance on policy measures and actions that governments, employers, workers and other actors can implement to promote decent work opportunities and to address challenges in recycling operations in all sectors where recycling takes place. These guidelines are intended to apply to all recycling operations, whether publicly or privately operated, in the formal and the informal economy, at the regional, national, local and sectoral levels.

These policy guidelines are divided into five sections. Section 1 sets out the purpose, principles, application and scope of the guidelines, as well as their intended users. Sections 2, 3, 4 and 5 set out recommendations for governments, employers and their organizations and workers and their organizations to advance decent work in recycling according to the four strategic objectives of the Decent Work Agenda: promoting employment; respecting, promoting and realizing the fundamental principles and rights at work; developing and enhancing measures of social protection; and promoting social dialogue.