Assessing the role of informal waste pickers and their working arrangements in the City of Johannesburg, South Africa

The waste management systems in many urban areas of developing countries rely on informal waste pickers (IWPs). This study examines the role of IWPs in Johannesburg, South Africa, focusing on their work arrangements and contributions to waste management and recycling. Informal waste pickers play a significant role in the city's waste economy by providing essential services that reduce landfill waste and promote recycling. A sample of 100 IWPs was selected using a simple random sampling technique for this study. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys, along with statistical methods such as descriptive statistics, Chi-squared tests (χ2), and content analysis through Microsoft Excel, SPSS, and NVIVO to analyze factors like the types of waste collected, transportation methods, age, and income. Findings reveal that 33% of IWPs work five days a week, with 80% collecting between 10 and 50 kilograms of waste daily. Plastics and paper comprise the majority of materials collected by 52% of participants, while 53% earn between USD 2.92 and USD 5.73 per day. Furthermore, 67% of waste pickers aged 20-29 work 3-5 days a week, while those aged 30-49 tend to work more frequently, typically 5-7 days per week. Although a small proportion (13%) of younger IWPs earn over USD 11.46 daily, most IWPs across all age groups earn between USD 0 and USD 11.46. The study emphasizes the need for inclusive policies that acknowledge the contributions of IWPs, improve their working conditions, provide better access to resources, and integrate them into formal waste management systems.