In a proactive effort to enhance occupational health and safety for waste pickers, Eskişehir recently hosted a specialized workshop that united a diverse array of stakeholders. Organized by Tepebaşı Municipality and ILO Office for Türkiye and supported by occupational safety and health expert Burcu Ünal, the workshop focused on educating participants about crucial labour rights and safety standards specific to the waste management sector.
The event began with a notable opening attended by Mayor Ahmet Ataç and Deputy Mayor Suat Yalnızoğlu of Tepebaşı Belediyesi, who emphasized their readiness to collaborate on future initiatives.
© Gamze Orhun / ILOILO for Türkiye Officers took the stage and highlighted ILO's dedication to closing knowledge gaps and equipping waste pickers with the tools they need for safe and dignified work to empower these essential workers, ensuring they can perform their duties with confidence and security.
ILO Türkiye Governance and Compliance, Officer, Salih Gökçe Görgeç shared the history, vision, and mission of the International Labour Organization (ILO), as well as its areas of intervention in Türkiye. He also discussed the latest global developments in occupational safety and health and their impact on Türkiye's labour market.
© Gamze Orhun / ILOThe workshop, held under the Refugee Response Programme, focused on the waste picking and recycling sector, which is characterized by widespread informality and a high concentration of vulnerable groups, making it particularly hazardous in terms of occupational safety and health (OSH) risks and impacts. This sector is often the first choice for refugees seeking employment due to its informal nature, which allows them to work without a permit and without risking the loss of social assistance.
Refugees are attracted to the recycling sector because it offers quick access to income, minimal public oversight, and the flexibility to work independently. However, these same factors contribute to significant OSH risks. Görgeç emphasized that one of the workshop's main objectives was to address these risks, tackle discrimination, and improve the working conditions of refugee laborers in the sector.
© Gamze Orhun / ILOThe workshop underscored the urgent need for targeted interventions to enhance safety and health standards in the recycling industry, protect vulnerable workers, and promote fair and inclusive labour practices."
ILO Türkiye Livelihoods Officer, Ayşe Turunç Kankal, underlined cooperative structures for waste pickers are essential in transitioning them to formality by enhancing their economic, social, and legal standing. These cooperatives empower waste pickers through better working conditions, and social recognition, reducing the stigma associated with informal waste collection. They provide access to resources, training, and funding, leading to increased efficiency and profitability. Additionally, cooperatives offer legal protections, social security, and health benefits, improving overall economic stability and community well-being. By fostering environmentally friendly practices, cooperatives also contribute positively to waste management and recycling efforts, benefiting the broader community.
© Tepebaşı BelediyesiRepresentatives from municipalities across Türkiye, public labour market governance institutions, and academia also participated, highlighting widespread support and collaboration across regions.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in in-depth group work sessions that explored sector-specific problems, occupational health guidelines and safety protocols. Expert-led discussions aimed to foster partnerships between ministries, waste picker cooperatives and municipal bodies, with a focus on improving infrastructure, bolstering support services, and strengthening regulatory frameworks. These efforts were geared towards enhancing overall working conditions and safety measures.
During the workshop, participants' responses highlighted their enthusiasm and active engagement throughout the discussions and activities. They showed keen interest in learning about sector-specific labour rights, safety standards, and occupational health practices, actively participating by asking questions and sharing their experiences. Participants expressed a strong commitment to collaboration, recognizing its significance in improving infrastructure, support services, and regulatory frameworks to enhance working conditions and safety measures. They not only valued the opportunity to gain new insights and knowledge from experts, feeling empowered to advocate for their rights and improve their working conditions but also conveyed appreciation to the organizers, local stakeholders, and occupational safety and health experts for their commitment and facilitation of meaningful discussions, feeling supported and valued throughout the workshop process.
© Tepebaşı BelediyesiIn summary, participant feedback underscored the workshop's success in promoting safety, awareness, and sustainable practices for waste pickers in Eskişehir. Their active participation and constructive feedback affirmed the workshop's role as a catalyst for ongoing efforts to enhance conditions within the waste management sector and advance inclusive, sustainable practices.
Moving forward, stakeholders will implement action plans developed during the workshop, monitor progress through a robust evaluation framework, and sustain partnerships to continue advocating for waste picker rights and improving working conditions.
About Waste Pickers
Waste pickers make significant contributions to public health, sanitation, and the environment by promoting resource circulation and reducing the number of landfills. Waste pickers range from people rummaging through garbage in search of food, clothing, and other basic, daily needs to informal private collectors of recyclables for sale to middlemen or businesses, as well as organized collectors and sorters of recyclables. The majority of waste pickers deal with municipal solid waste. However, they are often not working formally and suffer from poor working conditions and lack of social protection. Besides, waste pickers often belong to socially disadvantaged and vulnerable groups such as refugees, unemployed, women, children, persons with disabilities, and ethnic and religious minorities. They frequently face stigma, are discriminated against, and are harassed by public and private actors in waste management chains.
© Tepebaşı BelediyesiDemographic Structure and Working Conditions
A significant proportion of waste pickers in Türkiye are refugees, including many from Syria and other conflict-affected regions. These individuals often resort to waste picking due to limited access to formal employment opportunities. Women and children constitute a substantial part of this workforce, frequently working in hazardous conditions with minimal protective gear.
© Tepebaşı BelediyesiThe working conditions for waste pickers are typically harsh and unsafe. Many works without proper protective equipment, exposing themselves to health risks from handling hazardous materials, sharp objects, and toxic substances. The lack of formal employability also means that they do not have access to basic worker rights, such as health insurance, pensions, and other social protections. These conditions are exacerbated for refugees, who already face numerous challenges due to their vulnerable status.
This program is financed by the United States Government.
