WASTE PICKERS
National Mapping Exercise for Collection Pillars of Recycling in Fiji
The “National Mapping Exercise for Collection Pillars of Recycling in Fiji” offers an in-depth exploration into the lives and conditions of Collection Pillars of Recycling (CPRs), a term used in Fiji to denote waste pickers. The study highlights the demographics, working conditions, and socio-economic status of individuals engaged in both formal and informal waste management sectors.
The report details the distinct roles of formal and informal waste collectors, emphasizing the structured nature of formal employment in registered companies or councils and the often unregistered, independent operations of informal workers. It covers the methodology of the survey, the study areas, and the logistics of fieldwork, while presenting in-depth results on CPR demographics, including gender, citizenship, age distribution, and education levels. It highlights socio-economic status, living conditions, access to basic amenities and communication, and working conditions such as income distribution, access to washroom facilities, and exposure to hazardous waste.
Additionally, the report categorizes the types of waste collectors and provides insights into the occupational challenges and health issues faced by CPRs, offering a holistic view of the waste management landscape in Fiji. Encompassing 1059 individuals involved in waste picking, with a focus on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, the report serves as a critical resource for stakeholders aiming to create sustainable and inclusive waste management solutions in Fiji.
This report was commissioned by the International Alliance of Waste Pickers.
