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Exploring the Potential Health Risks Faced by Waste Pickers on Landfills in South Africa: A Socio-Ecological Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Catherina J Schenck

    (DST/NRF/CSIR Chair in Waste and Society, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa)

  • Phillip F Blaauw

    (School of Economic Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa)

  • Jacoba MM Viljoen

    (School of Economics and Econometrics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa)

  • Elizabeth C Swart

    (Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa)

Abstract

Landfill and street waste pickers in South Africa are responsible for collecting substantial volumes of recyclable material, saving municipalities millions and contributing to a generally healthier and cleaner environment. Yet waste pickers continue to operate on the fringes of the economy and are exposed to many risks, particularly health risks which have a direct impact on the sustainability of their livelihoods. This article, using a mixed-methods approach, explores the health risks to which waste pickers working on nine different landfills in the country are exposed. The socio-ecological framework was used to analyse and present the results. A key finding was that waste picking, by its very nature, lends itself to innumerable health risks, but that these can be lessened through concerted and collaborative efforts on the part of landfill operators, local authorities and other stakeholders. Integrating the ‘self-employed’ waste pickers into the formal waste management system should be comprehensive in order to limit health risks. Waste pickers will never have a risk-free environment, but facilitative policies and supportive institutions can collaboratively help to mitigate these risks and create a more sustainable and dignified working environment towards sustaining their livelihoods.

Suggested Citation

  • Catherina J Schenck & Phillip F Blaauw & Jacoba MM Viljoen & Elizabeth C Swart, 2019. "Exploring the Potential Health Risks Faced by Waste Pickers on Landfills in South Africa: A Socio-Ecological Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-21, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:11:p:2059-:d:238871
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jutta Gutberlet & Angela M. Baeder & Nídia N. Pontuschka & Sonia M. N. Felipone & Tereza L. F. Dos Santos, 2013. "Participatory Research Revealing the Work and Occupational Health Hazards of Cooperative Recyclers in Brazil," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-21, September.
    2. Burchi, Francesco & De Muro, Pasquale, 2016. "From food availability to nutritional capabilities: Advancing food security analysis," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 10-19.
    3. Catherina J Schenck & Phillip F Blaauw & Elizabeth C Swart & Jacoba M M Viljoen & Naome Mudavanhu, 2019. "The management of South Africa’s landfills and waste pickers on them: Impacting lives and livelihoods," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(1), pages 80-98, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ntobeko Mlotshwa & Tanya Dayaram & Asiphile Khanyile & Princess A. Sibanda & Kira Erwin & Tamlynn Fleetwood, 2022. "Working with Waste: Hazards and Mitigation Strategies Used by Waste Pickers in the Inner City of Durban," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-12, October.
    2. Inayat Singh Kakar & Apeksha Mallya & Lana Whittaker & Rachel Tolhurst & Surekha Garimella, 2022. "Intersecting Systems of Power Shaping Health and Wellbeing of Urban Waste Workers in the Context of COVID-19 in Vijayawada and Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-22, July.

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