Avoiding the decent work deficits of the circular economy

Growing the circular economy is critical to the transition to a more environmentally sustainable economy. More efficient use of materials can reduce the extraction of raw materials and reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions. This chapter responds to the paucity of attention paid to workers in the circular economy. Informal waste pickers underpin the functioning of contemporary circular economy models in many countries. To avert an exploitative version of the circular economy, marred by deep inequalities, it will be necessary to apply the circular principles of restoration and regeneration to the labour relationship as well as to materials. Building decent work and living wages into the foundations of the emerging circular economy offers a pathway to achieving societal, economic and environmental goals simultaneously. At this critical juncture, a mixture of legislation, regulation and policy can be used to nurture robust circular economies while embedding social justice.