IAWP Marks Waste Pickers Day Around the World
- Argentina
- Bangladesh
- Brazil
- Canada
- Colombia
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Ecuador
- Guatemala
- India
- Indonesia
- Kenya
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- Tanzania
- Turkey
- United States of America
- Congo
Argentina
In Argentina, the national federation FACCYR (Federacion Argentina de Cartoneros, Carreros y Recicladores) commemorated the day with messages of support from waste pickers across the country:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1687277142215017
Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, the Waste Picker Union organized a rally to demand decent working conditions:
Brazil
The National Movement of Waste Pickers of Brazil (Movimento Nacional dos Catadores de Materiais Recicláveis) acknowledged the history of waste pickers day, paying respects to the 11 waste pickers who were lured into a university, killed and their organs used for scientific research and human trafficking in Colombia in 1992.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/638864252066732
https://www.facebook.com/reel/567665253102074
Canada
In Montreal, to mark the second phase of the recycling system in the province, the Cooperative Les Valoristes organized a special event to bring together citizens and waste pickers to see their new depot, bring in recyclables and speak about the updated system. They also called on the government for improved participation in the new extended producer responsibility system:
In Vancouver, the Binners Project asked citizens to support local binners, showing recognition, or leaving bottles and cans out for them to collect.
Colombia
In Colombia, the Asociación Nacional de Recicladores organized an INational Autonomous Assembly of Waste Pickers. The Assembly included delegates from Argentina, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, Dominican Republic and Chile along with representatives from Colombia’s local, regional and national movement. Waste pickers spoke about perspectives, challenges and strategies to reinforce the defense of waste pickers’ work.Video of the Assembly:
The Planeta Verde Cooperative in Colombia also called for exclusive access to recyclable materials on Waste Pickers Day:
Democratic Republic of Congo
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, organizers recognized the valuable contribution of waste pickers. They used the day to speak with women plastic waste pickers who shared their need for protective equipment (like gloves, masks, boots), exposure to illness from dangerous waste, working under extreme temperatures, marginalization and discrimination and unstable incomes due to fluctuating prices of recyclables. They also highlighted the importance of the Plastics Treaty in recognizing their rights in international law.
Ecuador
In Ecuador, the National Network of Waste Pickers of Ecuador (Red Nacional de Recicladores del Ecuador) raised awareness of waste pickers’ contributions. “We are the hands that clean up the world”.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1157626559343630
Guatemala
In Guatemala, the National Movement of Waste Pickers of Guatemala organized a march to demand the respect of their rights.
India
In Bangalore, members of TSS had a small sharing circle at Hasiru Dala’s offices.
Hasiru Dala also honoured elders in the waste picker community. “For decades, they carried the weight of our waste on their shoulders. The elders of our community—kept our cities clean and our planet greener. But now, age has slowed their hands. Many struggle without pensions, healthcare, or recognition for their lifelong labor.”
In Mumbai, organization Parisar Sakhi Vikas Sanstha organized a march with waste pickers: “We stand with the Parisar Bhaginis—the unseen heroes who keep our cities clean and promote recycling.”
See also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=d32hIGhMJDs
In Pune, SWACH Cooperative raised awareness of the important contributions of waste pickers:
In Delhi, the Delhi Roundtable on Solid Waste Management honored and recognized the millions of waste pickers worldwide who play a crucial role in keeping cities clean, reducing waste, and contributing to environmental sustainability. “The Delhi Roundtable on Solid Waste Management (DRT) stands in solidarity with waste pickers, advocating for their recognition, fair wages, and dignified working conditions.”
Indonesia
Waste Pickers in Indonesia commemorate International Waste Pickers Day in Jakarta.
Italy
In Italy, 30 waste pickers in Palermo had been evicted by municipal officials from their vending locations near the Ballero market just days before Waste Pickers Day. They used the day to raise awareness of the need for respect and recognition for their work: “Waste pickers demand that the Municipality of Palermo recognize their reuse supply chains, which should be supported and integrated into environmental policy.”
Kenya
In Kisumu, Kenya, waste pickers organized several clean-ups to commemorate the day:
Mexico
In Mexico, waste pickers in Dolores Hidalgo Guanajuato shared a message of solidarity:
Nigeria
In Lagos, the Association of Scrap and Waste Pickers of Lagos organized an event alongside the SWEEP Foundation, and other partners to sensitize the community on the work of waste pickers and organized a community-wide waste recovery day. “Together, we are making a difference and keeping our communities CLEAN & GREEN!”
ASWOL’s Lagos waste pickers called on the government at all levels to expedite action on the global plastic treaty. This was featured in the local media:
https://punchng.com/waste-pickers-demand-recognition-seek-action-on-plastic-pollution-treaty/?amp
Senegal
In Dakar, waste pickers of Bokk Diom Association called on the director of PROMOGED and the Ministry of Urban Planning to resume an inclusive and participatory process for the restructuring of the Mbeubeuss dumpsite, securing waste pickers’ livelihoods as part of a just transition. It also called on the World Bank to ensure that the Senegalese authorities respect the Environmental and Social Framework in the implementation of the project. Just days before International Waste Pickers Day, police evicted hundreds of workers from their workplaces:
Tanzania
In Tanzania, waste picker leaders from different parts of Tanzania, government officials, stakeholders, and representatives from the International Alliance of Waste Pickers (IAWP) gathered in Dar es Salaam to commemorate Waste Pickers’ Day. Leaders from IAWP included Maddie Koena (Treasurer of IAWP), Johnson Doe (Executive Council Member of IAWP) and Rachel Muturi (Africa Coordinator of IAWP). The Waste Pickers Summit – co-organized by the Tanzania Waste Pickers Association, Taka NiAjira and Nipe Fagio – provided a platform for meaningful discussions on the challenges and experiences faced by waste pickers in their daily lives.
Turkey
In Turkey, waste pickers organized a rally to commemorate Waste Pickers Day:
United States of America
In New York City, Sure We Can opened its first satellite redemption centre to mark Waste Pickers Day. On March 1, they organized an inaugural event where members heard from elected officials and other waste pickers allies. Waste pickers/canners spoke about the critical importance of expanding the Bottle Bill and the need to support canners:
https://www.facebook.com/GlobalRec/posts/650206924173121
https://www.facebook.com/SureWeCanNYC/posts/1165433165588705
In Portland, USA, Ground Score Association shared a message of solidarity and a call to action to support waste pickers’ advocacy:
Congo
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