As South Africa continues its efforts to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and refine regulations, it is crucial to acknowledge and support the critical role of waste pickers in the waste management ecosystem, according to Patricia Schröder, spokesperson for producer responsibility organization (PRO) Circular Energy.
EPR, a global initiative adopted by several countries including South Africa, holds producers responsible for managing the lifecycle of designated products beyond their disposal stage. The primary objective is to promote recycling and reduce the strain on landfills.
The Importance of Waste Pickers Waste pickers play a significant role by diverting recyclable materials away from landfills, ensuring they are processed for economic reuse instead of being lost. Their activities contribute to mitigating climate change and improving the environment for their communities. Additionally, waste pickers alleviate the burden on municipalities by sorting and separating recyclables from waste, reducing operating costs. Furthermore, given the increasing emphasis on waste reduction, this profession serves as a promising avenue for job creation.
“We cannot afford to overlook the essential service provided by waste pickers, which brings hidden benefits,” emphasizes Schröder.
Protecting the Rights of Waste Pickers The International Alliance of Waste Pickers estimates that over 22 million people worldwide earn a living as informal waste workers. However, a review of global EPR policies and practices suggests that EPR poses more threats than support for these individuals.
To ensure the protection of waste pickers in South Africa, Schröder stresses the need for formal and transparent programs that fully integrate their services, provide fair compensation, and offer incentives. The Waste Picker Integration Guideline for South Africa, published by the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries (DEFF), provides ten integration principles aimed at achieving this goal. These principles emphasize recognizing and addressing unequal relationships, valuing waste pickers’ expertise and needs, engaging them through legitimate platforms, leveraging their existing informal systems for formal recycling programs, increasing diversion of recyclables from landfills, evidence-based programs and policies, providing an enabling environment, improving income and working conditions, fair compensation for services, and enhancing community and stakeholder perception of waste pickers as equal and active participants in waste management.
Recent amendments to the Regulation Regarding Extended Producer Responsibility further reinforce the importance of waste pickers by formally defining the term and including their participation in the definition of “collection.”
Promoting Inclusivity in EPR The successful implementation of EPR in South Africa necessitates ensuring that all stakeholders benefit from the process and share its ambitions. This includes recognizing waste pickers as integral members of the waste management community and addressing any associated risks promptly.
“Their participation in the EPR scheme is a significant step towards building an inclusive and sustainable waste management system in South Africa,” concludes Schröder.
By upholding the essential role of waste pickers and providing them with adequate support and recognition, South Africa can create a comprehensive and sustainable waste management system that benefits both the environment and its communities.