Recycling industry can create 200,000 jobs

photo hustler-conveyor

Recycling industry has the efficiency to create around 200,000 jobs in areas facing high unemployment, according to Green Alliance and the Waste and Resources Action Program (Wrap).

According to the study, by 2030 there will be 205,000 additional jobs, with unemployment dropping by 54,000.

This creation of job opportunity may be attributed to the new trend towards reusing discarded materials.

Those groups of companies who embrace recycling and servicing goods to extend their life may trigger up further job creation in this field.

photo hustler-conveyor
photo hustler-conveyor

According to the report, the growth within the recycling sector could have a long lasting effect on the job markets because of the intensive use of labor in the relevant sectors.

The move will promote jobs in areas of high unemployment that specialize in services exported to the rest of the country. Firms organizing share services, such as car clubs, could also spur a growth in low and semi-skilled jobs.

Increased activities like bio-refining, repair and remanufacture reuse, and closed and open loop recycling will pitch in load of opportunities.

The North East and West Midland areas where rate of unemployment is higher will feel the biggest impact from increased recycling activities.

One of the challenges faced by the industry may be creating growth in harsh times along with future consumption challenges.

Moreover, the resource efficient circular economy will be a deciding factor in addressing these challenges.

At a period of constrained job opportunities, the recycling sector is tempting with job offers across the country, especially in regions with high unemployment.

The government needs to stimulate the growth by taking actions like setting higher standards for product and resource recovery.

Besides, the report argues that while products might cost a little more initially, low cost servicing will allow products to last longer and be cheaper over the longer term.

Sabeena Wahid

[email protected]