نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
The world faces an unprecedented increase in solid waste generation due to population growth, urbanization, and changing consumption patterns. This growing waste crisis poses serious threats to both the environment and public health; it requires urgent attention. Effective waste management, with a strong emphasis on recycling, is crucial in mitigating these negative impacts. Recycling minimizes pressure on natural resources, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, it reduces the use of landfill and incineration options that lead to soil and air pollution. However, developing countries face significant challenges in recycling due to inadequate infrastructure, lack of integrated waste management systems, and limited public awareness. In these countries, informal waste pickers play a key role in recycling by collecting valuable materials such as plastics, metals, and paper. However, their unrecognized and unorganized work exposes them to severe health risks, including infections, musculoskeletal disorders, and exposure to hazardous substances. They also face economic vulnerabilities and social exclusion. Despite these hardships, economic necessity and limited job opportunities drive people to pick up waste. To improve this situation, waste pickers need to be integrated into municipal waste management programs through legal identification, health education, and access to health care services. Organizing them as municipal workers can be mutually beneficial, increasing urban cleanliness and economic efficiency while fostering a healthier and more sustainable society.
کلیدواژهها English
