Informal Waste Pickers: The Unsung Heroes of Circular Economy and Sustainability in Bangladesh

The informal waste pickers, a group of unsung heroes in Bangladesh, work tirelessly amid the chaos of urban life to keep our cities clean for their own livelihoods.

They play a crucial yet underappreciated role in the country’s urban waste management system.

Such an important role is directly linked to the circular economy, an economic system that emphasizes the recycling and reuse of resources to achieve sustainability goals.

However, the informal waste pickers are yet marginalized, facing social stigma, exposed to health risks, and deprived of formal recognition in society.

According to a recent study, there are 4,00,000 waste pickers in Bangladesh. In Dhaka alone, approximately 1,20,000 to 1,50,000 informal waste pickers are involved in the recycling activities to earn money.

The study also reveals that around 15%-20% of the total solid waste generated in Dhaka is recycled, mainly by informal waste pickers.

The capital city, Dhaka, alone produces about 6,000 tonnes of daily waste, and only 40–50 percent is collected legally and taken for disposal by the city corporations.

The remaining portion is either handled informally, mostly by waste pickers, or remains exposed to the open environment, creating pollution.

If Bangladesh is to achieve environmental sustainability and the relevant SDGs(Sustainable Development Goals) through solid waste management,we should recognize the role of informal waste pickers.

In recent years, the circular economy, a more sustainable alternative approach to the conventional linear economy of ‘make, take, and dispose’, has gained both academic and policy interest globally.

It focuses on the use ofa resource for as long as possible by recycling, recovering, and reusing materials, thereby reducing waste and improving resource efficiency.

Informal waste pickers are constantly working, collecting, sorting and selling recyclable materials to recover tons of plastic waste that could otherwise become a source of environmental pollution.

Reports also demonstrate that the informal recycling industry alone generates BDT 10-15 billion (USD 100-150 million) in business annually in Dhaka city alone. Such businesses not only reduce environmental pollution but also create a more sustainable economy, the circular economy.

By diverting waste from landfills and reducing environmental pollution, they also contribute to environmental sustainability and SDG 11(Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Despite their valuable contributions to the circular economy and environmental sustainability, they remain vulnerable to health risks without formal recognition.

Without protective gear, their job puts them at risk of health problems, as sharp objects or harmful chemicals often injure them.

Moreover, this is intensified by a lack of access to health care, leading to recurrent infections and chronic diseases. Eventually, many of them are trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty.

Their sense of well-being is further deteriorated by limited job security, the absence of social protection, and minimal access to financial services.

Eventually, informal waste pickers cannot improve their lives or invest properly in their children’s education. The children also start continuing the legacy of the ancestors in their childhood and are exposed to child labour.

Besides, the social stigma attached to their workworsens the situation, marginalizes them, and diminishes their sense of self-worth. Such social disgrace also makesit harder for them to demand a fair price for their recyclable collections or a just wage.

From a policy perspective, informal waste pickers need to be recognized as essential workers who require legal protection and better working conditions.

Both public and voluntary initiatives (NGOs) can be helpful in this regard. For example, training programs can support their skills, health protection and earning potential.

Moreover, a public awareness campaign can fight against the stigma they experience. The risks and vulnerabilities faced by informal waste pickers make it difficult for Bangladesh to achieve SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

From a rights-based approach to development policy, the state should ensure the health and education of such informal waste pickers.

Hence, formally acknowledging their roles in waste management systems and the circular economy practices, providing access to healthcare services, and ensuring their rights can improve their livelihood.

It is important to develop a collaborative strategy among the government, non-governmentalorganizations (NGOs), and the private sector to support waste pickers across the country. The immediate needs of the unsung heroes of sustainability must be met to build a better society and environment.

Access to regulated labour, healthcare, education, and integration into formal waste management systems for the heroes will lead to a more inclusive economy where everyone can thrive.

(The writers: Dr. Zobayer Ahmed is an Associate Professor at the Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management (BIGM) and Md. Sahadat Hosain is a Lecturer at Bandarban University.)