From Alley to Landfill

Abstract

Garbage is an endemic problem in developing cities due to the continual influx of migrants from rural areas coupled with deficient municipal capacity planning. In cities like Dhaka, open waste dumps contribute to the prevalence of disease, environmental contamination, catastrophic flooding, and deadly fires. Recent interest in the garbage problem has prompted cursory proposals to introduce technology solutions for mapping and fundraising. Yet, the role of technology and its potential benefits are unexplored in this large-scale problem. In this paper, we contribute to the understanding of the waste ecology in Dhaka and how the various actors acquire, perform, negotiate, and coordinate their roles. Within this context, we explore design opportunities for using computing technologies to support collaboration between waste pickers and residents of these communities. We find opportunities in the presence of technology and the absence of mechanisms to facilitate coordination of community funding and crowd work.

Qualitative Design in Political Communication Research, Surveys and Public Opinion

“…It should thus be accorded adequate attention by states when planning and implementing policies to achieve the SDGs. Rifat et al (2016) note that migration from rural to urban areas has resulted in Dhaka in India having the world's 11th largest population. Since most migrants do not have the skills to perform formal jobs, they engage in waste picking (Rifat et al, 2016).…”

“…Rifat et al (2016) note that migration from rural to urban areas has resulted in Dhaka in India having the world's 11th largest population. Since most migrants do not have the skills to perform formal jobs, they engage in waste picking (Rifat et al, 2016). Rifat et al (2016) add that poor municipal planning and unreliable services lead to waste being mismanaged, causing diseases, environmental contamination, flooding, and fires (Rifat et al, 2016).…”

“…Since most migrants do not have the skills to perform formal jobs, they engage in waste picking (Rifat et al, 2016). Rifat et al (2016) add that poor municipal planning and unreliable services lead to waste being mismanaged, causing diseases, environmental contamination, flooding, and fires (Rifat et al, 2016). The waste-picking business is a hazardous occupation as those who collect trash from tall buildings are forbidden to use the elevators and must make their way to the staircases (Rifat et al, 2016).…”

“…Rifat et al (2016) add that poor municipal planning and unreliable services lead to waste being mismanaged, causing diseases, environmental contamination, flooding, and fires (Rifat et al, 2016). The waste-picking business is a hazardous occupation as those who collect trash from tall buildings are forbidden to use the elevators and must make their way to the staircases (Rifat et al, 2016). Rifat et al (2016) estimate that waste pickers in Dhaka cover around 300 to 500 houses a day and sell their wares daily because of a lack of storage facilities and to avoid contracting diseases by keeping trash.…”

“…The waste-picking business is a hazardous occupation as those who collect trash from tall buildings are forbidden to use the elevators and must make their way to the staircases (Rifat et al, 2016). Rifat et al (2016) estimate that waste pickers in Dhaka cover around 300 to 500 houses a day and sell their wares daily because of a lack of storage facilities and to avoid contracting diseases by keeping trash. A positive aspect is that these waste pickers communicate well with community members as they whistle to alert people to put their rubbish out for collection (Rifat et al, 2016).…”