Waste pickers, though often overlooked, possess a unique ability to serve as vital environmental custodians. Through their tireless efforts in recovering materials from waste streams, they play an important role in mitigating the impacts of waste, bolstering the resilience of urban systems, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving energy, and preserving natural resources by enabling recycling and reuse. Despite their significant contributions, waste pickers remain largely underappreciated and disconnected from the circular economy, mainly due to their marginalized social status, lack of recognition from authorities, and exclusion from the formal economy.
The narrative of waste pickers is deeply rooted in a history of oppression and persistent stigmatization, despite their pivotal role in environmental sustainability and waste management. These challenges have become a permanent aspect of their lives, hindering their potential to make a more substantial impact. However, a global movement is underway to change this, with initiatives designed to elevate the voices of waste pickers, empowering them to advocate for their rights and secure a well-deserved place in decision-making processes. Central to this effort is the unification of waste pickers through innovative approaches, including the creation of microenterprises, the establishment of public-private partnerships (PPPs), and the formation of community-based organizations (CBOs). These strategies are paving the way for waste pickers to emerge as recognized stakeholders in the global push toward a more sustainable future
Microenterprise Approach
The microenterprise approach involves the strategic organization of waste pickers, facilitating their ability to effectively serve neighborhoods that lack municipal waste collection services. Additionally, this approach creates meaningful income-generating opportunities for individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset. This innovative model has notably gained prominence and widespread adoption in various cities across Mexico. A comprehensive study conducted in three Mexican cities has shed light on the significant impact of this approach, revealing that nearly 3,000 informal refuse collectors are responsible for gathering an astounding 353,000 tons of waste on an annual basis (Medina, 2008). These dedicated individuals earn up to five times the minimum wage, showcasing the substantial economic potential of this microenterprise model. Furthermore, these initiatives not only provide financial opportunities but also play a crucial role in nurturing and cultivating entrepreneurial skills among waste pickers, thus fostering long-term economic empowerment.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
In a research done by Medina(2008), he notes that the public-private partnerships (PPP) model has gained significant traction in cities like Colombia, where they have been utilized to improve the working conditions of waste pickers and contribute to societal welfare. This collaborative approach involves municipalities providing essential infrastructure and uipment, while waste pickers contribute their labor to the waste management process. A notable example of this is seen in Bogotá, where a partnership was established to oversee the operations of a recycling plant managed by the Bogotá Association of Waste Pickers (Medina, 2008). Under this arrangement, the municipality takes on the responsibility of collecting recyclables that have been sorted at the source. This model serves as a compelling showcase of the potential for productive collaboration between public institutions and waste pickers, leading to the development of innovative solutions that align with environmental objectives and create dignified job opportunities.
Cooperatives Approach
Cooperatives are a prevalent organizational model utilized by waste pickers, especially in Latin American nations. Brazil, for example, boasts a substantial number of waste picker cooperatives, totaling around 500, and comprising approximately 60,000 members (Medina, 2008). These cooperatives serve as influential entities enabling waste pickers to advocate for better recyclable prices, enhance their working conditions, and uplift their social standing. Waste pickers’ cooperatives can gather significant amounts of waste, bypass middlemen, and directly engage with recyclables processing industries. In Colombia, an incredibly vibrant cooperative movement has emerged among waste pickers, with more than a hundred cooperatives joining forces. This movement serves as a shining example of the multitude of advantages it brings. These include offering financial support through loans, legal guidance, and business mentorship, as well as significantly improving working conditions. Moreover, cooperatives have the potential to elevate social standing. For instance, in Manila, Philippines, members of a cooperative of waste-pickers proudly don green uniforms and go by the title of “eco-aides.” Similarly, in Chennai, India, those who collect waste are honoured with the title of “street beautifiers” (Colombijn & Morbidini, 2017). Moreover, they are actively collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders to portray waste pickers as essential environmental contributors who actively contribute to maintaining the cleanliness of urban areas and advancing the sustainability of waste management.
Success Stories: Empowering Waste Pickers in Tanzania
TakaNiAjira Foundation is deeply committed to supporting waste picker cooperatives and has been actively involved in facilitating the establishment of waste pickers’ community-based organizations (CBOs) across Tanzania, encompassing both Mainland and Zanzibar. Notably, the foundation has assisted in the formation of 5 CBOs in Dar es Salaam, 2 in Tanga, 1 in Mwanza, and 1 in Zanzibar, Dodoma, Arusha and Moshi. These CBOs, while still in their formative stages, aim to unify waste pickers and bolster their collective influence in advocating for increased recognition and improved working conditions. Specifically, in Dar es Salaam, the established CBOs include the Kidongo Waste Pickers Group in Msasani, Ferry Waste Pickers Group, Kigamboni Waste Pickers Group, and Ubungo Waste Pickers Group. Collectively, these CBOs currently represent a membership of nearly 117 waste pickers, with the potential for further growth. Despite the relatively limited exposure of many waste pickers to the concept of cooperatives and community-based organizations, there is a widespread embrace of these initiatives, with many viewing them as an invaluable opportunity to collaborate at the community level on societal matters and enhance the nature of their work. Notably, one waste picker emphasized the significance of unity by quoting the adage “Umoja ni Nguvu, Utengano ni Udhaifu” in Swahili, which translates to “Unity is Power, Disunity is Weakness” in English, underscoring the collective strength in pursuing transformative changes.
Picture: TakaNiAjira team in a meeting with a waste pickers’ CBO in Temeke, Dar es Salaam
Creating and sustaining decent and meaningful livelihoods is fundamental for the growth and success of societies. When approached with care and consideration, community-based organizations (CBOs) comprised of waste pickers hold the potential to cultivate a flourishing and sustainable source of income for these individuals. Consequently, governments must develop and implement policies that not only acknowledge the invaluable contribution of waste pickers and their groups but also prioritize their needs and aspirations in policy-making and decision-making processes. Buch (2021) highlights that a bottom-up approach, which mobilizes collaborative networks to empower waste pickers through training, organization, and technology, can help them ascend the value chain by transforming recyclable materials into value-added products, rather than confining their role to merely collecting waste and making low-margin sales to commodity buyers. The establishment of community-based organizations for waste pickers is one example of this approach
Map: TakaNiAjira’s coverage in facilitating waste pickers’ CBO formation and registration
The Journey of Facilitating the Registration of Waste Pickers’ CBOs
The process of registering Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) for waste pickers has been both fulfilling and challenging for TakaNiAjira Foundation. We have faced difficulties in navigating bureaucratic processes and have had to work closely with local authorities. In different regions, providing waste pickers with financial literacy and organizational training has been crucial for them to understand the benefits of establishing CBOs. Despite these challenges, TakaNiAjira has been able to gain the trust of communities by consistently demonstrating the long-term advantages of collective action. One of the main challenges was making sure that waste pickers understood the legal requirements for the registration process. Many of them had previously worked in informal settings and were not familiar with the formal procedures needed. TakaNiAjira took proactive measures by organizing comprehensive workshops to educate waste pickers about the details of the registration process and the potential benefits of formalization, such as gaining access to financial services and government support. This careful approach has helped waste pickers realize the importance of organizing, leading to the successful establishment of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in multiple regions.
Prospects of Waste Pickers Cooperatives/CBOs in Tanzania
The prospects for waste picker cooperatives and community-based organizations (CBOs) in Tanzania are highly promising and encouraging. As awareness of environmental and waste management concerns continues to grow, there is also a corresponding increase in acknowledgement of the vital and indispensable role played by waste pickers in ensuring the adoption of sustainable practices. Consequently, this heightened recognition has paved the way for organized waste pickers to gain access to emerging markets, enhance their working conditions, and broaden their operational scope. Notably, the Tanzanian government has shown a keen interest in providing support to waste pickers, underscoring the environmental and economic advantages associated with their work. Furthermore, collaborations between waste pickers, local authorities, and the private sector are expanding, thereby creating fresh opportunities for waste pickers to expand and scale their enterprises. Through cooperative efforts and community-based organizations, waste pickers are empowered to engage in joint negotiations with industrial entities, secure access to credit facilities, and delve into pioneering waste processing solutions, including the transformation of waste into energy or reusable materials. Furthermore, as the world shifts its attention towards embracing the principles of the circular economy and sustainable development, it opens doors for waste picker cooperatives in Tanzania to establish connections with international partners and access global markets. With unwavering backing from influential organizations like the TakaNiAjira Foundation, the horizon appears bright for waste picker cooperatives and community-based organizations in Tanzania. This signifies an inspiring prospect for the realization of socio-economic empowerment and the establishment of a sustainable future for the country.
Uniting for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future
It is vital to empower waste pickers by using community-based approaches to strengthen their collective voice. This will drive systemic change in waste management and environmental sustainability. Waste pickers can achieve dignified livelihoods by organizing into microenterprises, forming cooperatives, and building public-private partnerships. The progress in countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil, as well as the efforts led by TakaNiAjira Foundation in Tanzania, demonstrate that empowered waste pickers become not only environmental stewards but also essential contributors to a circular economy. Governments, private sectors, and civil society organizations should continue to support these initiatives to ensure that waste pickers receive the recognition, resources, and opportunities they deserve. Together, we can build a more inclusive and sustainable future, where the contributions of waste pickers are valued, and their voices are heard globaly.
