A woman stands strong amidst recyclables, symbolizing hope and resilience.

Beyond the Bin: Understanding the Lives of Women Waste Pickers

Avery Sinclair in Culture & Society June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exploring the Unseen Realities of Work, Health, and Daily Life"

Waste picking, the process of collecting, sorting, and processing solid waste for reuse, provides a livelihood for millions globally, particularly in Asia and Latin America. In Brazil, a significant portion of these essential workers are women, yet their contributions and the challenges they face often remain unseen.

This article delves into the often-overlooked world of women waste pickers in a municipality in southern Brazil. It sheds light on their living conditions, work environment, and health concerns. By understanding the multifaceted realities of their lives, we can begin to address the systemic issues that impact their well-being and recognize their crucial role in our society.

Based on a qualitative study involving women from a recycling cooperative, this exploration seeks to answer: "Which elements are related to the living conditions, work, and health of women waste pickers?" The aim is to provide insight into a population whose labor is both vital and undervalued.

Navigating the Double Burden: Work, Home, and Health

A woman stands strong amidst recyclables, symbolizing hope and resilience.

The research highlights the significant challenges women waste pickers face in balancing their work and home responsibilities. Many of these women are primary caregivers, managing households and raising children while working long hours in physically demanding jobs. This "double burden" can lead to immense stress and negatively impact their health.

While some women reported sharing household chores with their partners, many still carry the bulk of the responsibility. This inequality reflects broader societal norms regarding gender roles and the distribution of labor within the home.

"If I do the laundry, he [companion] prepares the food. If I'm going to do food, he puts the laundry in the machine. [...] I do one chore and he does the other." (T6)
"I do most of the work. There are things that he [companion] doesn't do. He does not wash my clothes." (T2)
"When he [companion] agrees, he tidies the room for me, but that's when he agrees, because otherwise it's just me. [...] And when he's alone, because if I'm at home, there's no way." (T3)

Beyond household duties, these women often face limited access to formal employment and education, leading them to waste picking as one of the few available options. Despite the demanding nature of the work, it provides a crucial source of income and a sense of purpose.

Towards a More Equitable Future for Women Waste Pickers

This study underscores the precariousness that characterizes the labor activity of women who collect recyclable materials and their exposure to occupational hazards within the context of informality and social insecurity.

Despite the challenges, the women expressed job satisfaction as they help clean the environment. The women mentioned their role in relation to improving the environment. The workers acknowledge that their work of selecting recyclable materials contributes to the environment and to society.

Moving forward, it's crucial to develop healthcare and nursing approaches that address the unique needs of this population. This includes advocating for policies that improve their working conditions, provide access to healthcare and social services, and recognize the value of their contribution to environmental sustainability. By empowering women waste pickers, we can create a more just and sustainable society for all.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What is waste picking and why is it important?

Waste picking is the process of collecting, sorting, and processing solid waste for reuse. This essential activity provides a livelihood for millions globally, including a significant number of women in Brazil. The process involves gathering various materials, such as plastics, paper, and metals, from waste streams. The women waste pickers then sort these materials, often by hand, and prepare them for sale to recycling facilities. The significance lies in its contribution to environmental sustainability by reducing waste and conserving resources. It also provides income and a sense of purpose for those who engage in it.

What is the "double burden" that women waste pickers face?

Women waste pickers in Brazil often face a "double burden". This refers to the challenge of balancing their work responsibilities with their roles as primary caregivers. These women often manage households and raise children while working long hours in physically demanding jobs. This dual role can lead to immense stress and negatively impact their health. Examples from the study illustrate how they often carry the bulk of household responsibilities. The implications include increased stress, potential health problems, and limited opportunities for rest and personal care, highlighting the systemic inequalities that affect women in this profession.

Where does this research focus on the lives of women waste pickers?

The article focuses on women waste pickers in a municipality in southern Brazil. This geographical focus is important because it allows for an in-depth examination of the specific conditions and challenges faced by these women. It provides detailed insights into their living conditions, work environment, and health concerns. Focusing on this particular location allows researchers to understand the local context, including the infrastructure, available resources, and societal norms that impact the women's lives. This localized approach offers a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and can inform more effective solutions tailored to the specific needs of these women.

What research method was used to understand the lives of the women waste pickers?

The research was based on a qualitative study involving women from a recycling cooperative. This method is essential for understanding the multifaceted realities of the women waste pickers. Qualitative research allows for in-depth exploration of their experiences, perspectives, and the challenges they face. The use of interviews and observations provides rich, detailed insights into their living conditions, work environment, and health concerns. This approach is particularly valuable for understanding the nuances of their lives and the complex interplay of factors impacting their well-being. It provides a comprehensive understanding of their experiences, which cannot be captured through quantitative methods.

What does "precariousness" mean in the context of the study regarding women waste pickers?

The study underscores the precariousness that characterizes the labor activity of women who collect recyclable materials and their exposure to occupational hazards within the context of informality and social insecurity. This means their work is often unstable and lacks the protections of formal employment. The women face risks such as exposure to hazardous materials, physical strain, and limited access to healthcare and social benefits. The implications of these conditions include increased vulnerability to illness and injury, economic instability, and a lack of social safety nets, highlighting the urgent need for interventions aimed at improving their working conditions and providing social support.