Our cities rely on informal waste pickers. They collect and sort through our waste, keep our streets clean, and ensure that
recyclable materials are reused instead of ending up in landfills – services many of us take for granted.
Despite their significant contributions, waste pickers face numerous challenges. They endure low and unstable wages, face hazardous working conditions, societal discrimination, and limited access to basic services such as social security and protection, quality housing, education, primary healthcare and water and sanitation services. Furthermore, women and girls from within the community experience a higher degree of vulnerability and marginalisation as a result of the prevalent patriarchal structures.
of the general population in Bengaluru hold a strong stigma against waste pickers.
of waste pickers are connected to formal financial institutions, with an average daily income ranging from INR 300-500.
of waste pickers have no formal education, and an additional 20% have only completed lower primary school.
of waste pickers are women, they earn up to 33% less for the same work.
are not aware of alternative jobs. 30% do not have voter cards. 80% do not have ration cards.
*Source: HMF-FSG Field Research (April 2019)
Our cities rely on informal waste pickers. They collect and sort through our waste, keep our streets clean, and ensure that recyclable materials are reused instead of ending up in landfills – services many of us take for granted.
Despite their significant contributions, waste pickers face numerous challenges. They endure low and unstable wages, face hazardous working conditions, societal discrimination, and limited access to basic services such as social security and protection, quality housing, education, primary healthcare and water and sanitation services. Furthermore, women and girls from within the community experience a higher degree of vulnerability and marginalisation as a result of the prevalent patriarchal structures.
of the general population in Bengaluru hold a strong stigma against waste pickers.
of waste pickers are connected to formal financial institutions, with an average daily income ranging from INR 300-500.
of waste pickers have no formal education, and an additional 20% have only completed lower primary school.
of waste pickers are women, they earn up to 33% less for the same work and face domestic violence
are not aware of alternative jobs. 30% do not have voter cards. 80% do not have ration cards
Supporting waste pickers is not only an act of social justice but an essential step towards fostering sustainable and equitable communities. By addressing their needs, we enhance our environment, improve public health and pave the way for a more inclusive and resilient society for everyone.
Achieve greater economic stability and reduce financial vulnerability for waste pickers and their families.
Benefit from safer and more secure working conditions.
Women and youth have pathways to transition to alternate professions with opportunities for upward mobility, should they choose to do so.
Better access to affordable and high-quality services, including education, healthcare, water and sanitation and housing provided by both public and private sectors.
Families receive the support needed to prevent and address domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health issues.
Value of waste pickers is recognised by the people of Bengaluru, fostering a sense of dignity, respect and professional pride among the waste picker community.
Create pathways for waste pickers who wish to explore or transition out of the profession through vocational training, life skills, financial literacy program and entrepreneurship support.
Introduce new waste collection streams to increase income and stabilise earnings for waste pickers.
Enhance professional pride among waste pickers and foster greater respect and recognition from the general public in Bengaluru.
Facilitate application and access to social security schemes and benefits such as housing and loans.
Provide access to quality education and learning resource opportunities to support social mobility for waste pickers’ children.
Build awareness and offer support to reduce substance abuse and domestic violence within waste picker households.
Improve working conditions through redesigned equipment and behaviour change programs to ensure proper usage.
Ensure affordable access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities for waste picker households.
Each of these three Key Impact Pathways are further sub-divided into specific intervention areas:
Enable Sustainable and Inclusive Livelihoods: We move to build economic resilience.
Enable Access to Essential Services: We bridge the gap between waste picker families and their access to social protection.
Engage and Influence Key Actors: We focus on transforming the broader ecosystem that waste picker communities interact with including markets, institutions, policymakers, and the general public.
