Project overview

Urbanisation in Nepal is increasing at an alarming rate with an increase from 3-17% in the last 5 decades. Due to lack of appropriate employment opportunities, a large number of workers in the informal economy are engaged in waste-related work. In the Kathmandu Valley it is estimated that are 10-15,000 waste pickers and 700-800 Kabadis (waste/scrap dealers). Although these workers play a vital role in dealing with the waste generated in the Valley, the profession is considered shameful and degrading, and its contribution is unrecognized by society as well as local and state authorities.

Urban waste pickers are among the poorest people in Kathmandu valley. Most live in squatter settlements along the riverbanks. They are exposed to many health risks through unprotected handling of waste materials, and due to their poor living conditions. The waste picking profession is despised by the rest of society, despite its contribution to removing and recycling large quantities of waste. Waste workers are often exploited socially and economically. They find it hard to fight this exploitation due to a range of factors including their lack of bargaining power, illiteracy, lack of market information, and lack of skills and technology which could help them add value to the materials they collect and recycle. None of the current policies or plans includes social protection provisions which could help improve the situation, and raise the status of the profession.

Working in 5 municipalities of Kathmandu valley, the overall objective is improving the living conditions of informal workers in the solid waste management sector. It will also improve waste services for residents and protect workers' interests. The specific objective is to enhance the social protection of informal sector waste workers and vulnerable groups dependent on waste for their livelihoods.

Expected Results:
1. Strengthened capacities of non-state actors and other stakeholders to engage effectively with target groups for social recognition and piloting innovative social protection schemes
2. Enhanced technical and entrepreneurial skills of the informal sector workers and vulnerable groups in solid waste management for better incomes, secured livelihoods and safer working environment
3. Strengthened solid waste market system to become more inclusive and pro-poor
4. Developed and disseminated key learning documents and collaborated amongst SWM informal sector workers and organisations for inclusive social protection to influence policy makers and other stakeholders

Who we aim to help:
The project targets around 4,000 waste workers, with all having an increase in health and safety leading to better health outcomes, 2,000 having increased incomes, and 1,000 having access to affordable health care and insurance. We expect that at least 50% of beneficiaries will be women.

Poverty Reduction of Informal Workers in Solid Waste Management (PRISM), Nepal: Project leaflet in both English and Nepali

Press cuttings

Press Release from the EU Delegation in Nepal marking the official launch of the project, 8th July 2011.

Coverage of the project launch in The Himalayan newspaper, 8th July 2011.