Waste sorting workers highly exposed to multiple health risk factors

Thousands of workers exposed to multiple health risk factors

The handling of household waste exposes workers in this sector to a variety of hazards. Following an initial expert appraisal on health risks to waste management workers in general, published in 2019, ANSES conducted a new expert appraisal focusing on workers in charge of household waste. 

The Agency reviewed the different steps in the handling of household waste and the available data on the workers involved, the potential health risks, and the preventive measures currently in place. It paid special attention to the selective sorting step, which poses several key challenges. This activity, which is expected to continue growing in the future, already employs a large number of workers in France (around 10,000 at present), who are particularly exposed to multiple risk factors. Moreover, compared with other steps and areas of waste management, prevention-related documentation and initiatives remain limited for this activity. 

The expert appraisal also reviewed the health risks to workers handling waste collected by waste disposal centres. It found that these facilities vary greatly and that there is a lack of available data on how they are organised and on staff working conditions. 

Among the other steps in household waste management, some – such as collection and incineration – are already well documented and benefit, for certain activities, from specific preventive measures. On the other hand, composting and anaerobic digestion are still developing, making it difficult to analyse risks at this point. 

Risks associated with exposure to waste residues

Workers in sorting centres are exposed to a wide range of hazards. The first is the contents of the waste bins themselves. Waste sorting workers can be exposed to hazardous biological agents, as food containers often still contain food residues that, particularly in warm and humid conditions, promote the growth of micro-organisms, some of which are pathogenic. This is compounded by the fact that waste is not always treated quickly: it is stored first in household bins and then again when it arrives at the sorting centre.  This risk may increase with climate change and rising temperatures, which promote the development of micro-organisms. Workers are also more exposed than the general population to diseases transmitted by rats, which are attracted to sorting centres.

Workers in sorting centres can also be exposed to hazardous chemicals, such as volatile organic compounds. In addition, explosions and fires can also occur in sorting centres when lithium batteries, aerosol cans or nitrous oxide cartridges are discarded with plastic and paper packaging. Another consequence of incorrect source separation is that glass and syringes can end up in these centres.

Although sorting centres are becoming increasingly automated, workers still carry out part of the sorting process manually for quality purposes. ANSES underlines that everyone can help protect the health of these workers by following sorting instructions, especially for waste that may pose a specific risk.

Difficult working conditions

Due to the nature of their job, workers in sorting centres are exposed to noise and vibrations, as well as the effects of repetitive movements and physically demanding postures. They also work under time pressure and have little control over their work pace, which is set by the conveyor system transporting the waste.

Furthermore, as sorting becomes more mechanised, workers are increasingly expected to take on a wider range of tasks. In addition to sorting, they may also be required to maintain and clean machines, which exposes them to new and specific risks.

This exposure to multiple risks has consequences for the health of workers in sorting centres. International studies on their health report cases of musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory effects, digestive problems and infectious diseases. 

However, the data on the health of these workers in France are insufficient. Many are employed on short-term, temporary or seasonal contracts, and some are of foreign origin or in reintegration programmes. All these factors make it complicated to monitor their health.

Storage times, training, employee monitoring: proposals to improve prevention

To prevent health risks for workers in sorting centres, ANSES recommends limiting the time waste is stored and prioritising the treatment of the oldest waste first. It also reminds local authorities in charge of waste collection that collecting waste less often increases the risk of microbial growth, especially in summer. 

In addition, the Agency stresses the need to address the growing expectation that workers take on a wider range of tasks, especially through suitable training, worker awareness-raising on the risks involved, and recognition of these expanded responsibilities in job descriptions.

It also recommends that workers handling waste receive reinforced individual monitoring, as defined in the French Labour Code. In light of the infectious diseases identified amongst these workers, vaccines – especially against hepatitis B and leptospirosis – could be offered.

Lastly, ANSES calls for further studies to better understand the profiles of workers in sorting centres and the health risks to which they are exposed, in order to define and implement appropriate prevention strategies.