18,
April 2015 Waste-pickers - a
fascinating new model
Accumulation
of garbage is an enormous problem in Indian cities – largely ignored by the
population at large and self-serving bureaucrats. In a desperate effort to eke out
a living, small entrepreneurs will knock on doors with bags and portable scales
collecting recyclable items such as newspapers, glass, plastic and other items
for cash - based on their marketable value. Non-recyclable items end up on the
roads or in dumpsters awaiting delivery to landfills. Small boys are often seen
climbing into dumpsters with bare feet in an attempt to salvage plastic and
other useful item. Sadly, their little feet are often cut with broken glass
causing painful infections.
I
recently attended an inspiring talk at Stanford University given by a
passionate activist who has embraced this seemingly intractable perennial
problem with a new innovative approach. She and her husband are the architects
of an organization, Hasiru Dala of waste-pickers based in Bangalore. Hasiru
Dala is a member based organization working towards the integration of
waste-pickers, in the city’s solid waste management program, for better
livelihood opportunities. Started in 2011, Hasiru Dala works towards
waste-pickers earning a decent wage and other benefits.
Prior
to the establishment of Hasiru Dal, independent waste-pickers were constantly
harassed by the local police and municipal authorities who demanded bribes. The
new army of waste-pickers are given identity cards and smart uniforms which
have all but eliminated local harassment.
Currently,
7,000 waste pickers have been hired by Hasiru Dala in various central and state
government programs including scholarships for their children, health &
insurance benefits, food security and pensions. In addition, Hasiru Dala has
initiated various training programs, in partnership with other organizations.
The training includes Business Management for waste workers to upgrade skills
in management & technical competencies, organic waste management, mushroom
farming, terrace gardening services, zero waste events - and driver training
for commercial vehicles. In collaboration with Jain University & Waste Wise
Trust, Hasiru Dala has developed a Scrap Dealer Certification program, a first
of its kind training program, endorsed by the University to assist waste
pickers and scrap dealers enhance their business skills. Apartment dwellers are
encouraged to maximize recyclables and minimize waste which ends up in the
local landfill; each of these items are carefully weighed and the weights
uploaded to computers which compute costs. Recyclables are computed at much
lower cost to minimize waste. This has fostered healthy competition between
apartment dwellers eager to be inducted into the zero waste ‘hall of fame”.
The
dry waste (paper, plastic, metal, glass) is brought to their respective Dry
waste Collection Centers.
This
is the first time where informal workers have a direct Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the state to operate a state infrastructure.
Organic
waste is also collected for enriching local farmland. Hasiru Dala provides
organic waste management services for bulk operators. Organic waste is
converted to compost. Waste-workers are trained in organic waste management and
also counseled for employment as service providers.
Many
of the city owned bio-mechanization plants are operated by Hasiru Dala’s team
of waste-pickers and supervisors.
Urban
terrace garden, especially vegetable gardens are becoming very popular in the
city. Trained waste-pickers provide services to urban gardeners and encourage
many more to grow their own food and create garden spaces in homes and in
corporations. Mindtree Ltd, an IT services company has developed a cloud based
digital platform to enhance the operations of Hasiru Dala and also support in
business development. For financial support they are dependent on individual
and institutional donors and grants.
Hasiru
Dala as developed a fascinating model for offering the poorest of the poor a
livable wage and merits our support. Many other cities in India and abroad have
expressed a strong interest in replicating Hasiru Dala’s model but this will
only be possible with a massive infusion of cash. In the near term they have
set a goal of acquiring 10 new trucks each costing $10,000.
If
readers are interested in supporting this grassroots organization, please send
your tax deductible donations to Aid for Indian Development, 84 Stuart Ct., Los
Altos, CA 94022.
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