By Vera Weghmann, Public Services International Research Unit (PSIRU)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(2 July 2025) A new EPSU report\u00a0on waste highlights alarming risks faced by nearly one million workers keeping Europe’s towns and cities clean.\u00a0Waste collection remains one of Europe’s most dangerous jobs<\/strong>, with accident and illness rates significantly higher than the average for all workers. The report identifies urgent safety concerns linked to climate change, technological developments, and outsourcing of public services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One major issue raised by the report is extreme heat. Much of Europe is currently in the grip of a dangerous heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 46\u00b0C in southern regions and hitting 40\u00b0C in many others. On Saturday 28 June, a street cleaner in Barcelona died after finishing an outdoor shift in what is suspected to be a heat-related death.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Across Europe, heat-related workplace fatalities have increased by 42% since 2000.<\/strong> Waste workers, who spend long hours exposed to the elements, are particularly at risk. EPSU is calling for new European legislation to establish maximum safe working temperatures.<\/strong> This must include guaranteed breaks, access to drinking water, suitable protective clothing, and the right to stop work when conditions become unsafe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Outsourcing and privatisation have further compromised worker safety. Private contractors, driven by profit, frequently cut corners on essential safety training, protective gear, and equipment maintenance. Conversely, cities bringing waste services back under public control see fewer accidents, better-trained workers, and safer workplaces.<\/strong> EPSU urges municipalities to prioritise safety by returning waste services to public hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The growth of recycling and the circular economy, while positive environmentally, poses new threats. Fires caused by improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries have sharply increased. In the UK alone, 670 waste depot fires occurred in a single year, with nearly 40% attributed to these batteries.<\/strong> Stricter rules on hazardous waste disposal and public education campaigns funded by producers are needed to tackle this danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, the study considers Europe’s informal waste collectors – such as bottle collectors operating under deposit-return schemes – who lack formal recognition and protections. These workers should be officially included in policies governing the circular economy, ensuring their fair treatment and safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Europe advances <\/strong>its<\/strong> goals for sustainability and the circular economy, waste management is growing more complex<\/strong> – <\/strong>and more vital.<\/strong> Waste workers already play a key role in protecting public health and the environment, yet their contributions and needs are often overlooked in policy and planning. EPSU calls for immediate action at EU<\/strong>, national<\/strong> and local levels to ensure these workers are fully recognised, properly protected, and treated with the dignity they deserve.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n