The International Labour Organization (ILO) has published the first ever guidelines aimed at improving the working conditions and livelihoods of the millions of workers who extract value out of our waste and care for the environment. The ILO Governing Body approved the publication of the policy guidelines for the promotion of decent work in recycling during its 355th Session on 20 November 2025.
Recycling provides livelihoods for millions of workers worldwide and plays a critical role in the circular economy. However, the sector continues to face significant decent work deficits.
James Joseph Towers, Worker's Group Vice-Chairperson of the meeting of experts, said: "Trade unions can use these policy guidelines to advocate for better conditions of work for all workers of the industry, making just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies a reality for them."
The guidelines, developed during a tripartite meeting of experts held in Geneva from 5-9 May 2025, provide practical and concrete steps for governments, employers and workers to help them address decent work deficits in recycling, and unlock the potential for a just transition.
Marianela Suarez, Employers' Group Vice-Chairperson of the meeting, said: "The recycling industry has great potential to generate productivity and decent work. Employers can realize this potential by following these guidelines consistent with the realities in their enterprise, at the industry and at the national level".
The guidelines draw on principles enshrined in ILO Conventions, Recommendations, Protocols, and Declarations, and on outcomes from relevant sectoral meetings and the International Labour Conference. They recognize the distinct and complementary roles of governments, employers and their organizations, workers and their organizations, and other actors involved in policy formulation and implementation, to address decent work challenges in recycling.
Ann Coenen, Government Vice-Chairperson of the meeting, said: "These comprehensive guidelines, alongside other ILO instruments, strengthen our collective efforts with our social partners to ensure decent work in recycling. We need to minimize waste, foster circularity, and recognize the value of every job in the recycling chain."
Structured around the four strategic objectives of the ILO's Decent Work Agenda, the guidelines provide practical recommendations to advance decent work in recycling, in the following areas:
- Productive employment and decent jobs - including policy coherence, infrastructure and systems, sustainable enterprise development, cooperatives and the social and solidarity economy, skills development and lifelong learning, youth employment and formalization, as well as just transition.
- Rights at work - looking at the fundamental principles and rights at work, namely freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining, elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour, effective abolition of child labour, elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation, and the right to a safe and healthy working environment.
- Social and labour protection - emphasizing the need for universal social protection and to improve the conditions of work of recycling workers
- Social dialogue and tripartism - encouraging inclusive governance through measures to strengthen social dialogue mechanisms and institutional capacity.
