The world’s waste collectors: unsung heroes of the Circular Economy

Tactical tips for supporting waste collectors in your community

As we face the challenge of plastic pollution and environmental degradation, it’s easy to overlook the individuals who are quietly doing the heavy lifting on the frontlines. 

Waste collectors, often working in the shadows, are the backbone of recycling systems across the globe, particularly in regions where formal waste management infrastructure is either insufficient or nonexistent. Responsible for the collection of over 60% of the world’s recycled plastic, these eco-heroes play an indispensable role in advancing human rights, alleviating poverty, and supporting the circular economy.

Yet, despite their crucial contributions, waste collectors often remain marginalised, working in poor conditions with little to no social protection or recognition. It’s time we change that narrative and actively support the waste collectors in our communities. Here’s why it’s important, and how you can make a difference.

The crucial role of waste collectors

Waste collectors are the unsung heroes in the battle against plastic pollution. In many developing countries, where formal waste management systems are lacking, these individuals step in to collect, sort, and recycle materials that would otherwise clog waterways, pollute landscapes, and contribute to the global plastic crisis. Their efforts are not just about cleaning up waste; they are about ensuring that valuable materials like PET plastic are kept in circulation, reducing the need for virgin plastic production and minimising environmental impact.

In fact, social entrepreneurs like Khalil Radi, Cordie Aziz-Nash, Peter Muthaura, Chioma Ukonu, and Siddharth Hande have demonstrated the immense environmental and social benefits of integrating waste collectors into sustainable waste management systems.

These pioneers have shown that when waste collectors are supported and empowered, they can transform the PET value chain, closing the loop on plastic waste and creating a more sustainable future for all.

Why supporting waste collectors is essential

1. Environmental impact – waste collectors play a pivotal role in reducing pollution. By collecting and recycling plastic waste, they prevent millions of tons of material from ending up in landfills, rivers or the oceans. Supporting them means supporting a cleaner, healthier planet.
2. Public health and sanitation – by removing waste from streets, households, and dumpsites, waste collectors significantly improve public health and sanitation. Their work reduces the spread of diseases and the presence of harmful pollutants, contributing to safer communities.
3. Economic empowerment – for the 20 million people around the world who rely on waste collection as their primary source of income, this work is not just a job—it’s a lifeline. Supporting waste collectors helps alleviate poverty, providing them with the financial stability needed to support their families and invest in their futures.
4. Social equity – waste collectors often operate on the fringes of society, lacking legal recognition and access to basic social protections. By advocating for their rights and working to improve their working conditions, we can help to uplift a marginalised workforce and promote greater social equity.

Five simple ways to start supporting waste collectors

1. Advocate for fair wages and working conditions – work with local governments and NGOs to push for fair wages, safer working conditions, and access to social protections for waste collectors. Ensuring they are recognised as formal workers is crucial for their long-term wellbeing.
2. Support social enterprises – partner with or support social enterprises that are dedicated to integrating waste collectors into the formal economy. Businesses like those founded by Cordie Aziz-Nash and Siddharth Hande provide waste collectors with training, resources, and access to better-paying opportunities, creating a more sustainable and equitable waste management system.
3. Raise awareness – use your voice and platforms to highlight the importance of waste collectors in the recycling process. Share stories, facts, and statistics to educate your community about the critical role these individuals play in keeping our environment clean.
4. Engage in community initiatives – Join or start community initiatives that support waste collectors. Whether it’s organising local clean-up drives, providing protective gear, or offering financial assistance and educational initiatives, grassroots efforts can have a significant impact on the lives of waste collectors.
5. Encourage responsible waste disposal – by properly segregating your waste and reducing your plastic use, you can make the job of waste collectors easier and more efficient. Educating others in your community about the importance of responsible waste disposal also helps to ensure that more materials are recycled and fewer end up in landfills.

A missed opportunity in the Circular Economy

When we talk about PET plastic, conversations often center around its recyclability, environmental impact, and the technical innovations needed to close the loop on plastic waste. However, a critical component of the conversation is frequently overlooked: social equity. Despite being a cornerstone of sustainable development, the human dimension of PET plastic—especially the role of marginalised communities and informal workers in its value chain—remains underappreciated.

The invisible workforce

Globally, it is estimated that more than 20 million people earn a living as waste collectors which translates to an even greater number indirectly by supporting their families. These individuals collect, sort, and recycle materials such as plastic, glass, paper, and electronic waste from households, streets, and dumpsites.

They are the backbone of the recycling system, particularly in developing countries where formal waste management infrastructure is insufficient. Yet, they operate in hazardous conditions, with little to no social protection, and are rarely recognised for their essential contributions.

Systemic neglect

The neglect of social equity in the PET plastic value chain is largely systemic. Policies and corporate strategies frequently focus on technological advancements and environmental metrics, while the social aspect—the well-being, rights, and livelihoods of those who make recycling possible—is sidelined. This imbalance perpetuates inequality and misses the opportunity to create a more inclusive and just circular economy.

The cost of overlooking equity

Overlooking social equity not only perpetuates social injustice but also undermines the sustainability of the PET value chain. A recycling system that fails to protect and empower its workers cannot truly call itself sustainable. By neglecting the human element, we risk the collapse of the very systems that keep our environment clean and resources in circulation.

Moving forward

Addressing social equity in the PET plastic value chain requires a shift in perspective. We must prioritise the wellbeing of all stakeholders, particularly those at the bottom of the economic pyramid, who play a crucial role in our waste management systems. This means advocating for fair wages, safer working conditions, and social protections for waste collectors, as well as integrating social equity into corporate sustainability strategies.

Starting a conversation

The conversation around PET plastic needs to evolve beyond technical and environmental considerations to include social equity. By recognising and addressing the human dimension of the PET value chain, we can create a more just, inclusive, and truly sustainable circular economy. It’s time to give social equity the attention it deserves in the world of PET plastic.

The world of waste collectors

Waste collectors are the unsung heroes of the circular economy, playing a vital role in managing plastic waste and promoting environmental sustainability. By supporting these individuals around the world, we not only help protect the planet but also contribute to a more just and equitable society. It’s time we recognize the immense value that waste collectors bring to our communities and take actionable steps to support them in their crucial work.