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Quantitative Analysis of Colombian Waste Picker’s Profile

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  • Carlos J. Gallego

    (INGECO—Ingeniería Competitiva, Departament of Engineerings, Universidad Autónoma Latinoamericana, Carrera 55ª No. 49-51, Medellín 050015, Colombia
    ALIADO—Analytics and Research for Decision Making, Department of Industrial Engineering, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 67 No. 53 108, Medellín 050010, Colombia)

  • Juan C. David

    (INGECO—Ingeniería Competitiva, Departament of Engineerings, Universidad Autónoma Latinoamericana, Carrera 55ª No. 49-51, Medellín 050015, Colombia)

  • I. N. Gomez-Miranda

    (GIIAM—Grupo de Investigación e Innovación Ambiental, Faculty of Engineering, Institución Universitaria Pascual Bravo, Medellín 050034, Colombia)

  • Sebastián Jaén

    (ALIADO—Analytics and Research for Decision Making, Department of Industrial Engineering, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 67 No. 53 108, Medellín 050010, Colombia)

Abstract

Even though waste pickers play a crucial role in the urban solid waste management system in developing countries, their social, familial, and labor conditions remain uncertain. In this study, we analyzed the profiles of waste pickers in Colombia using multivariate statistical methods and cluster analysis. Our findings indicate that the majority of waste pickers have only completed elementary or high school education, and most of them are not associated with any organization and belong to the subsidized health regime. We identified five profiles of waste pickers in the population. The first consists of the most experienced individuals, while the second comprises individuals with the lowest salaries. The third includes older individuals who work more hours per day. The fourth is made up of individuals who work in the informal sector, and the fifth includes individuals who work in the formal sector. Our study highlights specific actions to be taken for each profile. Improving family and household conditions, social and educational status, and job conditions can have a significant impact on their lives.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlos J. Gallego & Juan C. David & I. N. Gomez-Miranda & Sebastián Jaén, 2023. "Quantitative Analysis of Colombian Waste Picker’s Profile," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:12:p:9397-:d:1168780
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin & Jutta Gutberlet & Anahita Ramezani & Sayed Mohammad Nasiruddin, 2020. "Experiencing the Everyday of Waste Pickers: A Sustainable Livelihoods and Health Assessment in Dhaka City, Bangladesh," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(6), pages 833-853, August.
    2. Aiqin Wang & Linxiu Zhang & Yaojiang Shi & Scott Rozelle & Annie Osborn & Meredith Yang, 2017. "Rural Solid Waste Management in China: Status, Problems and Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-18, March.
    3. Faisal A. Osra & Huseyin Kurtulus Ozcan & Jaber S. Alzahrani & Mohammad S. Alsoufi, 2021. "Municipal Solid Waste Characterization and Landfill Gas Generation in Kakia Landfill, Makkah," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-13, January.
    4. Parizeau, Kate, 2015. "When Assets are Vulnerabilities: An Assessment of Informal Recyclers’ Livelihood Strategies in Buenos Aires, Argentina," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 161-173.
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