Recycling – a career for the future

People are satisfied with their work if they find it meaningful [1]. A career in the circular and resource economy not only offers the opportunity to actively contribute to environmental protection, but also a professional environment that is characterized by sustainability and responsibility. Companies and organizations in such an environment attach great importance to environmental protection standards, social responsibility and ethical conduct. Green jobs are therefore not only an important aspect of environmental protection, but also offer a promising career.

Flexibility through diverse opportunities

The circular and resource economy offers a variety of careers for people with different professional backgrounds [2]. There are many ways to develop professionally in this industry, from engineers and technicians (who develop innovative processes for recycling) to logistics and distribution experts (who ensure the smooth transportation and marketing of materials). There is also demand for positions in research and development, quality assurance, environmental and health management and marketing.

Attractiveness through technological innovations

Developments in recycling technology continue to improve the efficiency and profitability of increasingly complex processes [3]. State-of-the-art machines and technical systems enable the precise sorting and processing of recyclable materials, which improves the quality of the end products and increases the recycling rate. In addition, new approaches along the value chain – such as chemical recycling, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or the development and manufacture of new products from recycled materials – are becoming increasingly important, making the industry even more attractive and forward-looking.

Security through sustainable government action

The current government’s commitment to the circular and resource economy (separate chapter in the coalition agreement) shows that the challenges of our time have now also been recognized at a political level [4]. In addition, the European Green Deal and the EU’s climate protection targets set the framework for the transition to circular value creation, in which resources are used for as long as possible and material cycles are closed [5].

Such political support helps to improve the framework conditions for companies in the affected sectors. More investments are made in technologies and infrastructures that increase the efficiency and effectiveness of recycling processes. As a result, more jobs are created, increasing the demand for professionals in this and related fields, which in turn improves the prospects of a satisfying and successful career.

A green job portal: greenjobs.de

In the meantime, job agencies have also adapted to the increasing supply and demand. Of particular note is greenjobs.de, which has become the central meeting place for environmentally conscious job and training seekers in German-speaking countries since it was founded in 2000. The portal focuses primarily on environmentally relevant job advertisements from the key markets of energy and transportation transition, environmental technology and management as well as recycling, which are submitted directly by employers or their commissioned agencies [6].

As of 2024-11-10

List of references
[1] Rothausen, T. J., Henderson, K. E. (2019). Meaning-Based Job-Related Well-being: Exploring a Meaningful Work Conceptualization of Job Satisfaction. Journal of Business and Psychology, 34(3), 357–376. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-018-9545-x
[2] Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz, nukleare Sicherheit und Verbraucherschutz – BMUV. (2022). Berufe in der nachhaltigen Wirtschaft: „Grüne“ Kompetenzen. URL: https://www.umwelt-im-unterricht.de/hintergrund/berufe-in-der-nachhaltigen-wirtschaft-gruene-kompetenzen
[3] SA, BDE, BDSAV, BDSV, BRB, bvse, DGAW, InwesD, IGAM, ITAD, IFAT, VDMA, VDM, VHI, VK. (2024). Statusbericht der deutschen Kreislaufwirtschaft. URL: https://statusbericht-kreislaufwirtschaft.de/wp-ontent/uploads/2024/01/Statusbericht_2024_25012024_opt.pdf
[4] Bundesverband Sekundärrohstoffe und Entsorgung e.V. (2021). Die Ampelkoalition steht – Kreislaufwirtschaft mit eigenem Kapitel. URL: https://www.bvse.de/recycling/recycling-nachrichten/7909-die-ampelkoalition-steht-kreislaufwirtschaft-mit-eigenem-kapitel.html
[5] recyclingnews. (2022). Parteien bekennen Farbe: Kreislaufwirtschaft – ja oder nein? URL: https://www.recyclingnews.de/politik_und_recht/parteien-bekennen-farbe-kreislaufwirtschaft-ja-oder-nein/
[6] greenjobs.de. URL: https://www.greenjobs.de/