Around the globe, an estimated 20 million people earn a living by collecting discarded plastic, aluminum, and other waste from dumpsites and landfills to sell to recyclers. These individuals are known as “waste pickers,” and despite playing a crucial role in collecting nearly 60 percent of postconsumer plastic waste for recycling, their work often goes unnoticed and unrewarded. However, with the recent agreement by United Nations member states in 2022 to draft a binding treaty by 2025 to “end plastic pollution,” there is hope for change on the horizon.
Advocacy from a small group of waste pickers led to the inclusion of language in the treaty mandate recognizing the vital contribution of workers in informal and cooperative settings, commonly interpreted as referring to waste pickers. This acknowledgment has brought waste pickers into the spotlight during the negotiations, with the most recent draft explicitly mentioning waste pickers and highlighting their importance in waste management.
Various stakeholders, including plastic companies and industry groups, have expressed support for including the informal sector that waste pickers represent in the treaty. Consumer-facing food and beverage companies have suggested advancing waste pickers’ interests by advocating for better labor protections, living wages, and integration into government waste collection programs.
While the increased recognition of waste pickers is a positive development, there are concerns that this may not result in concrete action. Some observers fear that the private sector is using waste pickers’ cause as a way to enhance their image without making significant changes in practice. Waste pickers themselves are calling for a seat at the table as governments plan new waste management systems to ensure their continued livelihood.
The International Alliance of Waste Pickers (IAWP) has played a significant role in elevating the profile of waste pickers and advocating for their rights throughout the treaty negotiations. Collaboration between the IAWP and businesses involved in plastic production and waste management offers hope for the future, with opportunities for waste pickers to receive compensation and support under extended producer responsibility laws.
Overall, there is optimism that the dialogue between waste pickers and various stakeholders, including businesses, can lead to meaningful changes that prioritize the well-being of waste pickers as the global plastics treaty takes shape.oleon.
