Rag pickers in India are a crucial yet often unrecognized workforce in urban waste management. They collect and segregate recyclable materials. By 2050, India will be generating 450 million tonnes of garbage annually and ragpickers will be an important part of its waste management plans. Inspite of this huge contribution,  their life is piteous. They work without any job security, dignity or safety gear and are exposed to health hazards.

A few harsh realities

Given that rag-picking is a totally informal sector it is hard to quantify how much waste is collected in this manner. About 75-80% of the waste generated in India is collected by municipal bodies. And nearly 90% of India does not have a proper waste disposal system. Only 22-28% of the waste collected is processed or treated.

The problem is particularly grave in cities. The per capita waste generation rate in Indian cities ranges between 200 and 870 grams a day and is rising. From 2001 to 2011, garbage production in the cities increased by 50%. This could be traced to changing consumption patterns and consumer behaviour. The rag pickers are exposed to toxins. They have little or no access to protective gear. “Yes, we deal with garbage, but we want to live in a clean space” is what they wish for.

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