Informal, Policy, Ragpickers, Socio-economic Welfare, Waste Management

Abstract

This paper focuses on the prevailing condition of waste pickers across various developing countries. It explores the key issues and challenges they face in their occupation and the causes of these challenges. The paper also studies the approach of various countries in their treatment of waste pickers and their approach toward their integration into the formal waste collection and management system. Certain policies are already in place for the formalization and recognition of workers; this paper studies a few of these using case studies of nations such as Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, and India. Alternative solutions to these policies have been discussed with the aim of strengthening the current framework. Policy recommendations for the protection and upliftment of waste pickers have also been proposed.