NEWS

It’s not uncommon to see waste pickers moving through neighbourhoods on collection day, opening bins and removing recyclable materials before the municipal truck arrives. Some residents feel frustrated by the mess left behind or concerned about people going through their bins. But, it’s important to understand why this is happening. Waste pickers aren’t doing this to cause harm — they are trying to survive and sorting recycling in the process.

criminals and drug users. It is essential that we do not equate poverty with criminality, and bear in mind the criminal injustices perpetrated by the moderately and ultra rich daily.

One of the main challenges we have experienced since 2009 is that waste pickers are excluded from decisions that directly affect their livelihoods, despite being among the most experienced actors in the local recycling system. Many green economy policies and programmes — such as introducing formal recycling contractors, waste separation systems, youth-led initiatives or mechanised sorting facilities — are often planned without engaging the very people who have been doing this