Waste pickers play a vital, though often undervalued, role in the country’s waste management system.
This largely informal workforce – whose own waste footprint is negligible –diverts large amounts of recyclable materials from landfills, reducing the environmental impact of waste disposal. Studies have shown that waste pickers recover an estimated 80-90% of plastic packaging, translating to an estimated R750 million in potential landfill cost savings.
The waste industry in South Africa has an estimated worth of R18 billion, yet waste pickers only earn an estimated R50 to R200 a day and are often seen as a nuisance. Their work is frequently undervalued, and they lack formal recognition and social protection. They also face numerous health and safety risks, including exposure to hazardous materials, injuries and the threat of violence.
The government has taken some steps to address these challenges. The 2020 Waste Picker Integration Guideline aims to integrate them more formally into the waste management sector, improve their working conditions and provide access to basic services. In the past, waste pickers were banned from landfill sites, but waste management licences have been amended to formally include them in the operations.
Initiatives like buy-back centres and swop-shops provide alternative income streams and access to essential goods. The establishment of buy-back centres highlighted the broader needs of waste pickers who often live on the fringes of society. While cash remained a priority, the demand for food and school supplies became evident. This led to the creation of swop-shops in underserved communities.
In these swop-shops, waste pickers earn points based on the number of recyclables they bring. These points can be exchanged for essential goods like bread, milk, and school supplies. This innovative system not only benefits the environment but also addresses the basic needs of waste pickers and their families.
Driving change through corporate responsibility: partnering with waste pickers
Businesses can play a vital role in supporting waste pickers, aligning these efforts with their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. Companies can partner with NGOs like the South African Waste Pickers Association and only make use of waste collection services that employ former waste pickers or include them in their operations.
Companies can support buy-back centres, swop-shops, and community recycling initiatives, which directly benefits waste pickers while reducing landfill waste. Raising awareness through your CSR programmes, funding skills development, and providing access to healthcare or education will further enhance your company’s social impact.
Imagine a city where waste pickers wear uniforms, push specially designed trolleys and live in safe spaces. And receive the compensation and recognition they deserve. Could your business help create such a place?
Sources
Brand South Africa: Township swop shop recycles waste into daily necessities
Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries: Waste Picker Integration Guideline for South Africa
GAIA: Strengthening waste picker organising in Africa
Global Citizen: Living off trash: South Africa’s waste pickers recycle up to 90% of plastic and packaging
Lets Plastic Responsibly: How waste pickers actually help our economy
The Conversation: Waste pickers play a key role in the fight against plastic pollution
WastePlan: About our buyback program
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