Role of Informal Waste Workers for Sustainable Waste Management in Nigeria and Nepal

Abstract

Informal waste workers (IWWs) play a vital role in recovery, disposal and recycling of waste materials. This study examines the current solid waste management practices in Nigeria and Nepal, with a particular focus on the roles of IWWs in effective waste management. Through comprehensive secondary literature reviews, including journal databases, books, reports, and websites, this study highlights the inadequate solid waste management systems in both countries, resulting in limited reuse of generated waste. Common challenges related to waste collection, transportation, sorting, processing, and final disposal were identified in Nigeria and Nepal. The important role played by IWWs in waste management activities, such as collection, sorting, recovery, and recycling, is evident. However, the lack of appropriate legislation addressing their involvement serves as a major hindrance. This study also presents key findings on Nigeria’s waste generation, recycling rates, and reliance on the informal sector, as well as Nepal’s municipal solid waste composition, recycling rates, and the significant role played by informal waste workers. The study emphasizes the need for inclusive waste management policies, strengthened waste collection and segregation systems, investment in recycling infrastructure, and enhanced collaboration among government agencies, waste management companies, and informal waste workers. Enforcing existing legislation and providing support to IWWs, including improved working conditions and social protection measures, are essential steps toward improving waste management practices. The study concludes by highlighting the importance of research, innovation, and international cooperation in developing sustainable waste management solutions for Nigeria and Nepal.

Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 - Beyond an age of waste: Turning rubbish into a resource

“…The International Labour Organization (2023) reported that almost 40 per cent of people working in the informal sector in 2019 were in roles related to waste management and sanitation, of which 45 per cent were women and 38 per cent men (there were significant differences in these percentages among regions). In waste management policymaking there is a need to recognise the roles and respond to the voices of waste workers in the informal economy (UNDP 2022, b; Chen 2023; Khanal et al 2023).…”

Policy Measures, Practices and Challenges of Waste-to-Energy: Perspectives from Nigeria and Nepal

“…The government and private companies collect waste in urban areas of Nepal, with private waste management companies dominating the industry. Despite this, there is still much work to be done to improve waste management in Nepal, including implementing a waste tracking system and studying the role of the informal sector more closely (Khanal et al, 2023b).…”