Issues Faced by Informal Waste Workers

IWWs confront a multitude of challenges across social, economic, occupational, and health domains:

IWWs are often socially and economically marginalized worldwide and are largely isolated from social security schemes and legal protection frameworks due to a lack of formal recognition and adequate representation.
Their fragmented structure and weak community relationships contribute to vulnerability and social stigmatization, with research highlighting poor social capital.
They are frequently perceived as "dirty and bad people" and face disrespect and isolation, even being told not to sit next to others on public transportation. This deeply entrenched bias diminishes their dignity and can trap them in a cycle of poverty.
Historically, waste collection and recycling have been ascribed the lowest status in society, often performed by outcasts, marginal groups, or specific castes.

IWWs work in unhygienic and precarious conditions, risking exposure to sharp objects, toxic chemicals, and infectious diseases. Common injuries include glass cuts (44.4%) and metal cuts (43.9%).
They face a wide range of occupational risks, including chemical hazards, musculoskeletal damage, and infections. Respiratory symptoms are common, reported by nearly 70% of IWWs in the Kathmandu Valley.
Serious health issues like typhoid fever, diarrhea, skin disorders, and infections of the reproductive and urinary systems (for women) are prevalent due to poor hygiene and lack of access to clean water and restrooms.
Life expectancy for dumpsite waste pickers can be significantly lower than the general population (e.g., 39 years vs. 67 years in Mexico City).
Many IWWs lack proper personal protective equipment (PPE), with over two-thirds (67.6%) reporting never using it. They often use improvised protection, like their own clothing.
The informal handling of waste, including medical waste and electronic waste (e-waste), exposes them to toxic fumes, air pollution, mercury, cadmium, and lead, leading to severe health impacts like organ damage, skin diseases, and cancers. Landfill fires, fueled by decomposing garbage, also contribute to respiratory problems and long-term health issues.

IWWs' earnings are unstructured, unpredictable, and heavily market-dependent, exposing them to economic shocks from fluctuating recyclable prices. Their average daily income can be as low as NPR 500 (USD $4.57).
They often lack access to credit and financial services, relying on informal channels and often taking loans for basic necessities with unstable terms and high-interest rates. Many carry debt and experience periods without work.
Middlemen often exploit IWWs, paying them low prices for recyclables (e.g., as low as 5% of the industry price), while accumulating high profits themselves.
Their low income does not reflect their significant contribution to environmental protection.

Despite their essential contributions, IWWs are invisible in policy discussions and often lack formal recognition, legal protection, and social security benefits.
In countries like Nepal, there's a lack of comprehensive legislative frameworks and inadequate administrative or financial resources to effectively manage waste or integrate the informal sector.
Even when policies exist, their implementation is often ineffective. There's limited government acknowledgment and support for waste management initiatives, as well as bureaucratic hurdles that hinder collaboration with private and social enterprises.
Many IWWs express weariness from participating in surveys without seeing tangible improvements in their lives.