Solid Waste Management and Recycling

146 S.GALAB, S. SUDHAKAR REDDY, ISA BAUD

trader reduces fluctuations in income, and provides access to a basic form of social
security. However, only 22 percent of the pickers have such a relation (Table 7.4).

Working hazards

Almost all the street pickers complained of health problems: mainly headaches,
injuries by sharp objects and eye problems. Dump pickers had similar problems, but
also mentioned respiratory ailments, suggesting that the air conditions at the dump are
an added problem. Street pickers spend Rs 21 per week on health treatment, and dump
pickers Rs 25. Both groups use primarily private health care facilities.

Street pickers are also regularly harassed by both police and public, who prevent them
from going to particular areas. Unmarried girls and women picking waste also face
sexual harassment from the municipal staff, and sometimes their goods are stolen. The
public transport system does not allow them on the bus, and thus raises the costs of
transport for them.

Table 7.4. Working methods and incomes of street and dump pickers in Hyderabad, India

Sl. Type of description Street waste pickers Dump site waste pickers

1 Tied method
Untied method
Total

12 (10 percent)

108 (90 percent)

120 (100 percent)

16 (22 percent)

56 (78 percent)

72 (100 percent)

2 To whom waste is sold Retail traders, wholesalers Retail traders, wholesalers

3 working days/ week 7 6

4 Tied method
Peak season
Slack season
All seasons

Value (Rs)

336

211

274

Value (Rs)

466

316

391

5 Untied method
Peak season
Slack season
All seasons

Value (Rs)

286

208

247

Value (Rs)

496

280

388

6 All methods
Peak season
Slack season
All seasons

Value (Rs)

311

210

261

Value (Rs)

481

298

390

Source: field survey