A significant stride was made in Istanbul to enhance occupational safety and economic integration for waste pickers, building on efforts initiated in Eskişehir. Under the ILO's Refugee Response Programme, a two-day workshop was organized with impactful outcomes, particularly for vulnerable groups such as Syrians under Temporary Protection and International Protection Applicants and Status Holders.
The workshop, co-hosted by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Istanbul Planning Agency, and the ILO Office for Türkiye, successfully brought together waste pickers' cooperatives, municipal representatives, governmental institutions, private sector representatives, social partners and sector experts. This collaboration is set to directly improve safety standards and working conditions in the waste sector. The engagement of key stakeholders from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Ministry of Trade highlights the increasing recognition of waste pickers' vital role in environmental sustainability and economic health.
One of the workshop's major impacts was the emphasis on transitioning waste pickers from informal to formal employment, a shift that is crucial for their economic stability and social security. Ayşe Turunç Kankal, ILO Livelihoods Officer, highlighted the role of cooperatives in this transition, noting that they create decent job opportunities and contribute to the circular economy. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote formal employment, thereby improving the livelihoods of marginalized communities.
The discussions also underscored the critical role waste pickers play in recycling and reducing landfill waste, directly contributing to environmental sustainability. Ayşen Erdinçler, Head of Environmental Protection at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, emphasized that supporting waste pickers through better working conditions and formal employment is essential for rightful and effective waste management. The integration of waste pickers into formal systems is expected to significantly enhance recycling efficiency in Istanbul, especially in the city's outskirts, as outlined by Zelal Yalçın from the Istanbul Planning Agency.
On the second day, the workshop shifted its focus to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in the waste sector, addressing critical safety challenges. Dr. Kaan Özkan Karadağ, Occupational Health and Safety Manager at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, presented strategies to enhance safety protocols, which are vital for protecting the well-being of waste pickers. The interactive sessions led by ILO officials and consultants facilitated the development of practical solutions to OSH issues, reinforcing a collaborative approach to safety in the sector.
The workshop also featured the success story of Cooperativa Alborada in Colombia, demonstrating the transformative power of cooperatives in sustainable community building. This example served as a powerful inspiration for participants, showcasing how effective cooperative models can lead to the recognition of waste pickers as key contributors to both environmental and economic health.
The event concluded with a clear path forward: continued collaboration between cooperatives and municipalities to advance zero waste initiatives and support the economic and social integration of waste pickers. The workshop's outcomes will serve as a foundation for ongoing efforts to formalize and protect the labour rights of waste pickers, ensuring that they are recognized as essential workers in the drive towards a sustainable future.
This impactful intervention was financed by the United States Government.
