WASTE COLLECTORS AND THEIR ROLE IN THE RECYCLING OR MAKING A LIVING BY MEANS OF GARBAGE CONTAINERS: A PROPOSAL FOR SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

This study deals with the scavengers and their role in the recycling of waste. Due to the findings “A Proposal For System Development” was developed. Scavengers have different socio-economic and socio-demographic characteristics. Males and females of all ages, poor refugees, migrants and minorities are involved in the recovery of waste recyclables. Most of the recyclable materials consists of variety of paper, cardboard, metal scrap, plastics, pet bottles, dry breads, heals of shoes, bones, etc. The earnings of scavengers depend on the recovered amounts of recyclables from the waste and the quality of recyclable items. They are poor, suffer harassment from officials and face health and safety problems during the work. Despite of their low economic and social status, scavengers are making important environmental and economic contributions. Scavengers not only reduce the waste but also supply secondary materials to recycling industry, save the expenditures of solid waste management department in sweeping, transportation and disposing of waste. The overall impact of activities of scavengers is positive economically and environmentally. This can be improved further if government or organized private sector helps them by organizing them, providing them medical and health facilities, personel protective equipment and financial incentives.