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Summary: This paper presents data on the organization of work among the scavengers on the garbage dump in the city of Cali, Colombia. Garbage pickers can be characterized as working for the large industrial consumers of recuperated materials, but as not being employed by them. Hence their activities...
This short video reveals how informal waste pickers make their cities healthier and more beautiful, lower greenhouse gas emissions, preserve resources and save municipalities a lot of money. Despite their contributions, these workers are often overlooked, maltreated — even criminalized.
Informal waste pickers play an integral role in South Africa’s waste industry and keep tonnes of material out of landfills. Now, they are organizing, and through collective efforts, beginning to transform years of struggle and stigma into success vital to livelihoods and dignity.
Although the kinds of work waste pickers do differs across countries, some basic categories exist. These include: On route/truck waste pickers Refers to formal collection crews who segregate recyclables from household waste as a supplement to their salaries. The term can also designate informal...
Waste pickers collect, sort, recycle, and sell materials that others have thrown away. They benefit urban health and sanitation, lower municipal costs and fill gaps in municipal services─all contributing to a more sustainable urban environment. Yet waste pickers face challenges in protecting their...
Introduction: Nohra Padilla was waste picking on a dump in Colombia by the time she was seven years old. On April 15, 2013, her activism on behalf of recyclers was recognized with the world’s largest prize for grassroots environmentalists – the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize . Origins of a...
A 10-city study on three continents, led by WIEGO, offered insight into the grounded reality of waste pickers, street/market traders and home-based workers--including their contributions, challenges, and how governments and other players help and hinder their work.
(Esta página también está disponible en español) The United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, Habitat III , was a consultative process held every 20 years to reinvigorate the global commitment to sustainable development. All UN Member States and other relevant...
Videos / Slideshows / Audio
Millions of women work long hours, in dangerous conditions, for little pay. They are fighting for change, with the help of ILO Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers. Watch this video to learn how.
Workers Education/Organizing Materials
This manual helps street vendors learn more about the regulations that govern public space and how to defend the right to work in public space. It describes successful actions taken by street vendor organizations. And it offers information to help you organize and negotiate with local government.
WIEGO Working Papers
Mike Rogan reviews how informal workers are taxed, why there is growing interest in taxing them, and whether they should be included in the tax net.