The Challenge

Bangladesh’s waste pickers are essential to the country’s Tk. 3,500 crore recycling economy, yet they work in unsafe conditions, face exploitation, and lack healthcare, sanitation, and education opportunities. Despite their vital role in reducing waste and emissions, they remain among the most marginalized groups in Dhaka.

What We Did

• Documented recycling practices and technologies across Dhaka.

• Trained waste pickers in health, safety, and occupational protection.

• Explored recycling innovations (biogas, compost, recycled paper).

• Promoted cooperatives and waste picker-owned businesses.

• Advocated for fairer wages, safer working conditions, and education for children.

Impact

• Raised visibility of waste pickers’ role in the recycling economy.

• Demonstrated pathways to safer livelihoods through renewable resource enterprises.

• Identified opportunities for zero-interest loans, sorting facilities, and eco-enterprises.

• Shifted the narrative of waste from “valueless” to renewable resource.

Lessons Learned

• Waste pickers generate enormous economic value but remain trapped in cycles of exploitation.

• Access to healthcare, childcare, and education is critical for breaking intergenerational poverty.

• Cooperative models and fair lending can empower waste pickers to become equal stakeholders in the recycling economy.