On March 1, International Waste Pickers Day shines a light on the often-overlooked individuals who play a pivotal role in our waste management ecosystems. These waste pickers, despite their indispensable contributions to recycling and waste reduction, remain marginalized, facing severe health risks, exclusion from social security, and lack of legal protections. The informal sector, as defined by the International Labour Organization, encompasses individuals and small enterprises operating outside formal registration and recognition, yet they are the backbone of waste collection and recycling. In India, estimates suggest that up to 2% of the urban population, including a significant number of women, children, and the elderly, are engaged in waste picking. These individuals steer a perilous landscape daily, collecting up to 90 kg of waste, often without any protective gear, exposing them to myriad health risks and societal discrimination. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies, aimed at making producers accountable for the end-life of their products, especially plastics, have been touted as a solution to India’s burgeoning waste management crisis. However, the implementation of EPR has inadvertently threatened the livelihoods of informal waste pickers by funneling waste towards formal recycling facilities, thereby excluding a significant section of the workforce that has historically contributed to waste recovery and recycling.
The draft of the global treaty to end plastic pollution, which aims for a legally binding agreement by 2024, must prioritize a just transition for waste pickers. Their invaluable role in collecting and recycling plastic, which accounts for up to 60% of all recycled plastic, cannot be overstated. Yet, they are often the ones most exposed to the deleterious effects of plastic waste, from inhaling toxic fumes to contending with microplastics in their water and air. As India grapples with increasing per capita plastic waste generation, it is imperative to recognize and integrate the traditional knowledge and contributions of informal waste pickers into the EPR framework and broader waste management policies. The Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 and EPR Guidelines 2022 must be revisited to ensure that waste pickers are not only acknowledged but also actively included in shaping and implementing waste management strategies. A reformed EPR system, inclusive of waste pickers, is not just a matter of environmental necessity but also a step towards social justice, ensuring that those at the forefront of our battle against waste are protected, valued, and supported.
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