In the heart of a city bustling with industrialization, there exists a community often overlooked—the waste pickers. Focused and resilient, these unsung heroes sort through mountains of discarded materials, turning what many deem as trash into a source of livelihood.
Amidst this challenging reality, Environment360 has a mission to support the growth of a circular economy by building the capacity of the informal sector empowering them to become small-scale recyclers in order to help them improve their livelihoods and the landscape of the communities they serve, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Technical training on modular recycling technology
Environment360 recognized that waste pickers play a pivotal role in waste management, yet their efforts often go unrewarded. With this insight, the organization devised a multifaceted approach through its programs and the Circular Innovation Hub, to uplift their lives. The first step involved providing education and training programs to enhance their skills in waste segregation, recycling techniques, leadership, and business and financial management. Through hands-on training sessions, waste pickers learned to identify valuable materials, understand market dynamics, and manage their resources effectively. This knowledge not only increased their efficiency but also empowered them to negotiate fair prices for their recycled goods.
Waste picker operating modular recycling technology
However, our work goes beyond education. The organization works in tandem with local and traditional authorities, creating partnerships with local businesses and government agencies to establish a sustainable supply chain for recycled materials. By bridging the gap between waste pickers and recycling facilities, Environment360 facilitates a smoother transition for these individuals to become small-scale recyclers through the provision of technical training to utilize a modular recycling technology.
One of the success stories that emerged from this initiative is the transformation of 10 waste pickers in Tema, who formerly were small-scale collectors. Through Environment360’s intervention, waste pickers such as Dede, not only learned to segregate waste efficiently but also acquired the technical expertise and access to machinery, tools and resources to facilitate the set up of their own small recycling business. Now, they not only contribute to waste reduction but also provide employment to others in their community.
Bead design training
Environment360 continues to advocate for better working conditions and social recognition for waste pickers, through strategic partnerships to promote the reduction of waste landfilled thereby mitigating climate change issues in local communities.
In this testament of transformation, Environment360’s commitment to promoting a smooth transition to a green and circular economy while ensuring the economic empowerment of waste pickers is apparent. By empowering waste pickers to become small-scale recyclers, Environment360 does not only improve individual lives but also paved the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
