Pro poor market facilitation approach improves lives of informal Solid Waste workers

Summary

This project strengthened the capacities of the most marginalized informal waste workers in Kathmandu Valley around collective bargaining for better prices and enhancement of entrepreneurial skills, with a strong focus on creating a legal association for decent employment and introducing social protection schemes to improve income generation and working conditions.

Outcomes and Impacts

The project had significant social, economic, health and education impacts. Informal waste workers benefitted from long term entrepreneurial skills training and are now working under a cooperative that guarantees their access to social and health protection schemes and an increase in income that led to improved access to education for children. The solid waste market system has developed in a more inclusive manner and now offers a 25% increase in prices for recyclable waste collected by informal workers and other small processors, which makes waste management a profitable business and more sustainable service in Kathmandu.