Abstract
Background: The management of waste faces numerous challenges because of the growing population and economy in South Africa. As a result, waste facilities such as landfill sites are overburdened, and municipalities need to move up the waste management hierarchy. Informal waste pickers (IWPs) play a vital role in this regard as they divert waste away from landfills through recycling. However, they work in isolation from municipalities’ waste management systems, under harsh conditions and without proper tools.
Aim and objectives: The aim of this study was to assess IWPs’ perceptions of being integrated into the formal waste management system at the City of Ekurhuleni municipality. The objectives of the study were to determine IWPs’ opinions of being integrated into the City of Ekurhuleni municipality’s formal waste management system and explore the various integration strategies; to investigate the ways by which IWPs may be supported to overcome various challenges in order to improve their recycling efficiencies and improve their health; and to identify the challenges IWPs encounter as they collect recyclables for recycling companies.
Methods: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design and quantitative methods. The research data were collected using self-administered, structured questionnaires comprising standardized close-ended questions. A non-probability purposive sampling strategy was used to choose research participants. Data analysis was then conducted using SPSS software, version 7.2. The study was conducted in Germiston (Simmer and Jack Landfill) and Springs (Rietfontein Landfill site) in the City of Ekurhuleni municipality, focusing on landfill waste pickers. The study had a sample of 283 IWPs.
Results: The study revealed IWPs’ perceptions of being integrated into the City of Ekurhuleni’s municipal waste management system were positive; a majority of waste pickers (80.9%) wanted to be integrated into the formal waste management system. A Chi-square test of independence was performed to determine if the location of the landfill site where the waste pickers worked influenced their responses on being integrated. The results reflected: X²(4, n=283) = 4.805 p = .308, with a p-value of .308, which is greater than p =.05. This means the results were not statistically significant and thus the null hypothesis – IWPs’ opinions about being integrated into the City of Ekurhuleni’s waste management system are the same as those of the general population of waste pickers in the City of Ekurhuleni – could be accepted. There was no association between the location of waste pickers and their opinions on integration and the results can be generalised for the population of waste pickers in the City of Ekurhuleni. The study revealed that waste pickers need support from municipalities as they face critical challenges that affect their health, livelihood, and their recycling efficiencies. Representatives from
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Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and GDARD revealed that they support the formalisation and integration of waste pickers in municipalities, and they recognise and support the work of waste pickers. However, there is a lack of policies guiding integration, and this creates an impediment to the process.