Plastics industry’s support for waste pickers is often superficial

Waste pickers, who play a crucial role in recycling, are seeking meaningful recognition and support from the plastics industry amid ongoing global treaty negotiations.

Joseph Winters reports for Grist.


In short:

  • Waste pickers collect nearly 60% of all postconsumer plastic waste for recycling but often lack formal recognition and compensation.
  • The global plastics treaty, being negotiated with input from waste pickers, could increase visibility and support for these workers, but industry support remains inconsistent.
  • Despite some collaboration, the petrochemical industry often opposes waste picker priorities, such as limiting plastic production and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Key quote:

“There is always the question: Is this strategic, or are we just giving them the opportunity to twist our demands?”

— Andrea Lema, global waste picker support coordinator for the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives

Why this matters:

Waste pickers’ inclusion in formal waste management is vital for fair labor practices. Their collaboration with industry could significantly influence sustainable plastic management, but genuine support is crucial.

About the author(s):

EHN Curators
EHN Curators
Articles curated and summarized by the Environmental Health News' curation team. Some AI-based tools helped produce this text, with human oversight, fact checking and editing.

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