"Recycling helps cut down on waste and lets valuable materials be used again. It reduces the need to mine or extract new resources and keeps materials out of landfills, which lowers the greenhouse gases that cause climate change. But recycling is more than just a process; it's also a job."
"Even with these efforts, nine workers died in U.S. material recovery facilities in 2023. The fatality rate for refuse and recycling collectors rose by more than 80% that year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This made waste and recycling collection the fourth most dangerous job in the country, after roofers, fishing and hunting workers, and logging workers."
"Many workers wear puncture-resistant gloves, sometimes long enough to cover their forearms, because needlestick injuries happen often. A 2018 study by the Environmental Research & Education Foundation found that 45% of MRF injuries were caused by needlesticks, even though syringes and medical sharps are not allowed in recycling bins."
Recycling diverts materials from landfills, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and conserves natural resources by enabling material reuse. Material recovery facilities (MRFs) must balance profitability, efficiency, and worker safety to remain operational and retain quality employees. Despite safety being a stated priority for major waste companies, the industry faces serious challenges: nine workers died in U.S. MRFs in 2023, and the fatality rate for refuse and recycling collectors increased over 80% that year, making waste and recycling collection the fourth most dangerous occupation. Many injuries and deaths result from prohibited items placed in recycling bins. Workers wear protective equipment including steel-toed boots, high-visibility clothing, and hard hats, with puncture-resistant gloves essential due to frequent needlestick injuries from improperly discarded medical sharps.
#worker-safety #material-recovery-facilities #recycling-hazards #occupational-health #waste-management
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