Recently there has been a wave of public outcry about the involvement of waste pickers in criminality.
Late last year, NatureNews reported the arrest of 207 waste pickers over the crimes of theft, armed robbery, kidnapping and the use of harmful substance. Other residents of different communities have also complained about the criminal activities of waste pickers, which brought about the invention of the Waste Pickers Association Of Nigeria (WAPAN).
WAPAN aims to improve working conditions and livelihoods of waste pickers by advocating for their rights, providing training and resources, and promoting sustainable waste management practices.
The larger aspect of the intervention has to come from the government because even with all the controversies surrounding them, waste pickers are crucial in waste management, reducing landfill waste and environmental pollution, contributing to resource conservation and promoting a circular economy through their collection and recycling of materials.
Inorder to protect waste pickers, NatureNews suggests that the government should establish policies valuing their contributions, and provide them with benefits like social security and health insurance.
The Organization also states that government can also establish cooperatives or waste collecting centers for waste pickers, providing clean, safe workspaces and proper waste management.
Additionally, education and training programs can be provided to waste pickers, focusing on entrepreneurship, health and safety procedures, and waste management strategies as it is believed that these initiatives can increase productivity, reduce environmental risks, and provide career opportunities in the waste management industry.
The government can also motivate waste pickers by offering financial incentives based on waste collection quantity and quality. Microfinance programs can help them invest in equipment and start recycling businesses.
Public awareness campaigns can help change society’s perception of waste pickers, promoting their role in waste management and fostering a culture of respect and appreciation for waste pickers.
The government should also establish efficient monitoring and assessment procedures to ensure successful project execution, identify areas for development, gauge policy success, and make necessary adjustments.
NatureNews believes that solving the challenge of waste pickers being involved in crime must be a joint effort. Between civil society organizations, government and the waste pickers themselves, there must be continuous dialogue and If government adopts all these suggestions there must be policy framework on how to regulate the activities of waste pickers.
In conclusion, we call on government to ensure that other modern ways of waste collections are introduced in the society starting with the federal government offices as NatureNews believes this will help to control the operations of waste pickers and help government in fighting criminality.