Research Article
Experiencing the Everyday of Waste Pickers: A Sustainable Livelihoods and Health Assessment in Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Sayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin,
Jutta Gutberlet,
Anahita Ramezani,
Sayed Mohammad Nasiruddin,
Corresponding Author
Sayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin
Environmental Sciences Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram, Bangladesh
Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
Correspondence to: Sayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin, Environmental Sciences Program, Asian University for Women, 20/A M. M. Ali Road, Chattogram, Bangladesh.
E-mail: sayed.uddin@auw.edu.bd
Search for more papers by this authorJutta Gutberlet
Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorAnahita Ramezani
Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorSayed Mohammad Nasiruddin
School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China
Search for more papers by this authorSayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin,
Jutta Gutberlet,
Anahita Ramezani,
Sayed Mohammad Nasiruddin,
Corresponding Author
Sayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin
Environmental Sciences Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram, Bangladesh
Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
Correspondence to: Sayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin, Environmental Sciences Program, Asian University for Women, 20/A M. M. Ali Road, Chattogram, Bangladesh.
E-mail: sayed.uddin@auw.edu.bd
Search for more papers by this authorJutta Gutberlet
Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorAnahita Ramezani
Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
Search for more papers by this authorSayed Mohammad Nasiruddin
School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China
Search for more papers by this authorContract/grant sponsor: We acknowledge the financial support provided by the Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives (CAPI) of the University of Victoria, Canada.
Abstract
Waste pickers make a livelihood by collecting recyclable waste contributing to urban development and poverty reduction. Most often, they are socially excluded and exposed to different vulnerabilities (e.g. occupational health risks and accidents). This study adopts the sustainable livelihoods framework to assess multifaceted aspects of everyday life and work experiences of waste pickers in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The framework takes an integrated and transdisciplinary approach to livelihood assets and vulnerabilities. Our findings reveal a situation of extreme poverty and neglect of waste pickers, while they are making the city more sustainable. Specific policies, strategies and actions are required to reduce risks and improve the working conditions of waste pickers. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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