WASTE PICKERS
Mapping of Waste Pickers in Vietnam
In recent years, Vietnam has experienced rapid urbanization and economic growth, leading to a significant increase in waste generation (1). Every year, Vietnam releases approximately 3.1 million metric tons of plastic waste onto land, and around 10% of this waste is improperly managed and finds its way into waterways (2). As the waste management infrastructure struggles to keep up with the growing demand, waste pickers have emerged as crucial components of the waste management sector.
Informal waste pickers (IWPs) in Vietnam play a vital role in collecting and sorting various waste materials for recycling, thereby reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and contributing to environmental sustainability (3). In Ho Chi Minh City, there are nearly 2,000 street waste pickers, 4,200 independent IWPs, and about 1,816 aggregators (4). They often work independently or in small groups, primarily focusing on collecting recyclable materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metals. By salvaging and selling these materials to junk dealers and recycling facilities, waste pickers contribute to the circular economy and provide valuable raw materials for industries (5).
Despite their significant contributions, IWPs in Vietnam face numerous challenges that impact their livelihoods, health, and social standing. They often work in hazardous environments without proper protective gear, exposing them to various health risks and increasing their vulnerability to injuries, infections, and long-term health issues (6). Their income is generally low and unstable, as it depends on the fluctuating market prices of recyclable materials, and they lack job security or formal employment contracts (7). Many of these individuals migrate from rural areas to the city to earn a living from this work. They often rent accommodations in areas with affordable housing, which lack basic amenities. Their temporary residency status renders them ineligible for various types of insurance, thereby exacerbating their vulnerability and marginalization. Furthermore, they face self-consciousness and hesitation in seeking assistance, which leads to limited access to support services.
Existing literature may not provide a comprehensive and specific overview regarding the status of IWPs, the organizations that support them, and the challenges encountered by both the IWPs and these supporting organizations. Therefore, this study intends to fill this knowledge gap by investigating these aspects, which would be instrumental in shaping evidence-based policies and strategies for more effective support of IWPs in Vietnam.
