A 24-page report captures various sector insights and shows how the pandemic presents an opportunity to address inequalities that exist throughout the waste value chain.

The role of informal waste reclaimers, and their lockdown-induced livelihood impacts, was especially evident. As was handling of infectious waste. Another persistent issue during lockdown was the cheaper cost of fossil fuel-based virgin plastic compared to recycled plastic.

Despite its undervalued downstream position, the waste and recycling sector serves essential roles in the country’s economy. This includes waste minimisation through the recovery and recycling of materials that would alternatively be sent to landfills, and supporting the transition to a circular economy.

Concluding with a one-page table of recommendations, this concise report offers these as essential considerations – both policy and industry actions – to enable waste sector resilience.