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.