Recycling has become an important industry in our country not just for the environmental benefits but also for the jobs it has created. A new report has come out that shows recycling workers to be at greater risk than many other occupations, with workers almost two times as susceptible to occupational injuries as most other occupations. The report was a collaborative effort between the Partnership for Working Families, GAIA, National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) and MassCOSH.

There are almost a million people who work in this country’s recycling industry. About one fifth of them work in a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) where they spend long shifts bending awkwardly over conveyer belts to sort incoming materials, sometimes encountering dirty or dangerous materials like broken glass. This is done by hand because workers can pick out the best quality materials and identify mistakes or things that should not be in the recycling stream. Over half of recycling workers in a 2013 survey reported musculoskeletal injuries to their back and knees, probably from lifting heavy objects and bending in awkward positions for a long time. The facilities are sometimes very hot or very cold for workers. There is heavy machinery in use that can be hazardous to workers who may be struck by the machines or be caught in them. There are a lot of contaminants in the air from the incoming recyclables that can harm workers who breathe them in even if they wear a protective breathing mask. In 2012 8.5 out of 100 MRF workers were injured on the job. The average injury rate for other waste management services is 5.1 workers per 100, while the average rate across all industries is 3.5 per 100 workers. Between 2011 and 2013, 17 recycling workers died on the job at MRFs. The risks at these plants are high and investigations seem to be few and far between.

Another problem is that there are a large number of temporary workers at these facilities, which we know is a big factor in workplace injuries. They have limited experience or receive minimal training, and oftentimes do not come forward with an injury because they think they are “replaceable” and reporting an injury or a hazard would only get them fired. Or they may not be aware of how to report issues or who to tell their concerns to.

The report offered best management practice tips and safety measures that cities can take to protect workers. A lot of the injuries that occur at these sites are preventable. Since they usually contract with private companies they should look at that company’s track record in terms of safety records and emphasis on safety programs so they can choose the best possible candidates. They should try to ensure their workers have job security and a career, and try to reduce their dependence on temporary workers. They can also launch a PSA campaign to tell citizens what not to put in the recycling bins (harmful materials like used needles or broken glass). Facilities should encourage their workers to point out hazards without fear of repercussions.