The development of biodegradable waste recycling leads to increased amounts of decaying organic materials handled, and encourages the conditions in which workers, households and neighbouring communities are potentially exposed to bioaerosols. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and gaps regarding the health risks associated to bioaerosols in the field of municipal solid waste (MSW) and commercial and industrial waste (C&IW) management. Additional objective was to identify priority issues for research in order to improve knowledge and prevention. Overall, 368 studies have been selected. Strong qualitative evidence links occupational exposure to bioaerosols in the waste industry to adverse effects on health including long-term respiratory disease, notably in the fields of composting, mechanical biological treatment (MBT) and materials recovery facilities (MRF). The literature review highlighted numerous gaps in knowledge about exposure and health effects of bioaerosols that need to be addressed to assess the risk. Most importantly, valid and standardized methods for quantitative exposure assessment are needed. Identification of environmental indicators, estimate of factors influencing the level of bioaerosol exposure at the workplace, well-designed epidemiological studies and validation of dispersion models are other priority issues.