Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the functioning of solid waste reclaimers in the Mogale City, West of Johannesburg, South Africa. Previous studies have been conducted with integration gaps unbridged and in this study, the Mogale City Local municipality in liaison with Gauteng Provincial governments may consider establishing laws and by-laws to integrate waste reclaimers into solid waste management system. This study employed mixed methods of quantitative, qualitative and observations for data collection. A pilot study was conducted in waste reclaimers functioning from the inner city of Johannesburg Metropolitan municipality, collected data was not used for analysis but was to test the reliability of questions. Collected data were analyzed by using SPPS version 25.0, different themes were analyzed separately. Results revealed that the demand for recyclables remains high and yet there were no laws and regulations that support the functioning of solid waste reclaimers. They functioned under stigma and harassment by residents in the study areas. Collection of recyclable items put their health at risk of contracting infectious diseases from infected waste items and injuries from sharp objects. Infectious diseases include hepatitis A and B while injuries often occur on hands because they have no gloves to protect their hands while functioning. Since they did not wear shoes with hard sole, they also sustained injuries on their feet. They receive small cash from recycling companies which does not cover their personal needs to buying food for their families and going for medical assistance when they are sick. In some incidences, landfill operators do not allow them into the landfill to collect recyclable items. The nature of work of waste reclaimers does not allow them to work consistently in groups. Most of them prefer to work individually and this is a big problem for the Mogale City Local Municipality. Working in groups would enable the municipality to allocate them in different areas to pick up the waste and get a fixed salary for the job done which most importantly would assist them to buy food and other personal items that they need. The municipality would further provide them with protective clothing to use against injuries and infectious diseases. Waste reclaimers are not team players and as such, it will take time before their economic and social problems get resolved. This study concludes that the demand for recyclables is high in Mogale City, however, lack of support from Gauteng provincial government remains a problem because people do not accept them as people who care for the environment and waste companies do not pay them enough money.