Not only are there 15 million waste pickers in developing countries worldwide, but they are key economic actors and their choice of employment can form a viable source of alternate green jobs, according to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) spokesperson, Cecilia Njenga. Njenga was speaking at the opening of the Joburg Waste Summit 2013 at the Sandton Convention Centre on 15 & 16 May 2013.

According to Njenga, the promotion of green jobs forms one of the greatest challenges for developing cities and requires a multi-faceted, multi-stakeholder approach – such as the approach being instigated by the City of Johannesburg through the hosting of the first Joburg Waste Summit.

In investigating the international trends with regards to waste pickers, Njenga pointed out that recycling conserves more energy when compared to mining and raw materials processing, as well as allowing for a large participation of women and children. “There does however need to be a certain degree of formalisation because the formalisation and organisation of the workers can turn waste management and recycling into a significant approach for social cohesion or inclusion.”

Through the utilisation of waste pickers as key economic actors, a number of gains can be achieved by local municipalities and government, according to Njenga. These gains include economic savings for municipal waste management in developing countries, the generation of self-employment in poor populations, as well as waste pickers providing the largest portion of materials that re-enter the production process.

“Recycling is one of the fastest growing sources of green employment,” said Njenga, adding that the waste and recycling market generated approximately US$437 billion per year worldwide. The formalisation or integration of waste pickers into the green economy opportunities would therefore yield significant benefits, such as an increased earning potential and better working conditions and social welfare for the pickers themselves, but most importantly it can drive a community out of poverty, concluded Njenga.