Recycling Industry

Waste is a valuable resource and its management is a key economic factor, potentially providing ample employment opportunities and producing secondary raw materials.

In developing and emerging countries, the recovery of raw materials is mainly carried out by thousands of uncontrolled workers in what is referred to as the “informal” sector. This involves numerous risks, such as environmental pollution, health hazards and the cross-contamination of hazardous substances.
Sustainable recycling initiatives are implemented in many nations in collaboration with private and public institutions. Pilot recycling operations are supported jointly so that best practices and recycling standards can be introduced via technological collaboration. To ensure the social, environmental and economic sustainability of the supported operations, technical guidelines and financing mechanisms are developed.