Emma Silvander, a 30-year-old waste coordinator at the recycling center in Sorsele, has been working there for two years. She enjoys her job except on days when she is met with verbal abuse at work. Silvander emphasizes that most visitors to the recycling center in Sorsele are nice, but some make her workday difficult.
" According to a 2023 survey by Avfall Sverige, 41% of facilities in 120 municipalities reported that their staff have been exposed to threats or violence. The incidents often involve stressed customers who are corrected for incorrect sorting. Sorsele Municipality has written on its website about the problem and urges visitors to think about how they treat staff at the recycling center.
I was called a slut by a visitor.
Elin Bergarp, the technical manager, commented on the situation, stating, "It is completely awful. " The specific measures Sorsele Municipality plans to implement to address the abuse and violence at the recycling center have not been detailed. It is also unknown whether there have been any arrests or legal actions taken against individuals who threatened or assaulted staff.
The municipality's call for better treatment highlights ongoing concerns in waste management facilities.
I have been pushed a few isolated times.
It is completely awful. This is not okay, we must review how we can work forward.