Safety risks faced by workers in plastic recycling industries
(Source Credits: Plastics For Change)
While recycling is good for the environment, it can be dangerous for workers in the recycling industry who have one of the highest injury and illness rates. In the battle against the ever-growing plastic waste crisis, India’s recycling industry plays a pivotal role. However, amidst the efforts to promote sustainability, the health and safety of workers in this sector often take a backseat. It’s time to shine a spotlight on this critical issue and explore practical solutions to protect those on the frontlines – the unsung heroes who often come from marginalised communities struggling with poverty and social inequality.
The Harsh Reality for India's Informal Waste Workers
A significant portion of India's plastic recycling workforce operates in the informal sector, comprising individuals from underprivileged backgrounds. According to a study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, women make up around 60% of the informal waste worker population. Many are migrants from rural areas or belong to socioeconomically disadvantaged groups like Dalits, tribes, and religious minorities, driven by economic necessity to take on this hazardous work. Their precarious financial situation often forces them to prioritise immediate income over personal safety.
In India, they often reside in urban slums or informal settlements, grappling with inadequate housing, sanitation, and access to basic amenities like clean water and electricity. A report by the non-profit Hasiru Dala revealed that over 70% of informal waste workers in Bangalore, India live in makeshift shelters or rented rooms, with limited access to healthcare facilities and social safety nets.
The combination of poverty, poor living conditions, and hazardous working environments creates a vicious cycle, perpetuating their marginalisation and vulnerability to various health risks.
A Toxics Link study revealed that 90% of workers in Delhi’s informal plastic recycling sector suffer from respiratory issues due to constant exposure to toxic fumes and particulate matter.
A survey by the Centre for Education and Communication (CEC) in Mumbai revealed alarming statistics: 60% of workers experienced frequent headaches, 40% reported nausea, and 30% experienced skin irritation due to lack of proper safety measures.
Beyond immediate health hazards, research has uncovered long-term consequences, including elevated levels of heavy metals like lead (found in 75% of workers) and cadmium (found in 65% of workers) in the blood samples of workers at plastic recycling facilities in Kolkata.
Lack of Awareness and Training
The lack of formal education and awareness about workplace hazards exacerbates the vulnerabilities of these workers. A staggering 80% of informal waste workers in India have received no formal training, according to a report by the Solid Waste Collection and Handling (SWaCH) cooperative.
Regulatory Challenges
While the Indian government has implemented regulations and guidelines for safe plastic waste handling and disposal, enforcement remains a significant hurdle, particularly in the informal sector. Many workers lack access to:
Proper training on safety protocols
Personal protective equipment (PPE) - only 15% of informal waste workers in Delhi reported having access to PPE, as per a study by the Delhi-based NGO Chintan.
Adequate ventilation systems
A Collaborative Approach
Addressing worker safety in plastic recycling industry requires a concerted effort from various stakeholders:
Governments must prioritise the implementation and enforcement of worker safety regulations, while also providing incentives and support for the formalisation of the informal recycling sector.
Manufacturers and recycling facility operators should invest in safer recycling technologies and ensure the availability of PPE for all workers.
Raising awareness about the risks associated with plastic recycling and promoting worker education and training programs are crucial steps toward creating a safer and more sustainable industry.
Non-governmental organisations and social enterprises should collaborate with local communities to provide support services, such as access to healthcare, skills training, and financial assistance, to uplift the socioeconomic status of informal waste workers.
At Plastics For Change, we’re committed to protecting our waste pickers, many of whom are women from marginalised communities. Here’s how we help:
Safety Gear: We provide protective equipment like gloves, boots, and masks to minimise injuries.
Safety Training: Regular workshops educate workers on proper handling techniques and hazard identification.
Fair Wages & Healthcare: We ensure fair pay and access to healthcare, giving them peace of mind.
(Source Credits: Plastics For Change)
Recycling heroes deserve a safe workplace! Let’s all do our part by recycling right and supporting initiatives that prioritise worker safety and upliftment.
By prioritising worker safety and addressing the socio economic challenges faced by informal waste workers, we not only protect the well-being of those at the forefront of the battle against plastic waste but also contribute to the overall sustainability of the recycling ecosystem. It is a moral imperative to ensure that the pursuit of a cleaner environment does not come at the cost of human health and safety, especially for those from marginalised communities who often bear the brunt of hazardous working conditions and societal inequalities.