Addressing the Challenges and Potential of Ragpickers in Circular Economy Transitions during a Pandemic: A Case of Varanasi City

Abstract

Rag-pickers also referred to as informal garbage collectors, play a vital but often overlooked role in maintaining public health and sanitation, which the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically spotlighted. This paper is intended to provide an overview of the current status of Municipal Solid Waste Management in Varanasi, India, with particular emphasis on the roles and conditions of rag-pickers within the Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) framework and in the broader context of the circular economy. The study was carried out using a questionnaire and personal interview method. The responses were recorded and analysed critically. The study indicated a high prevalence of rag-picking among adults aged 30-60 years who were uneducated and migrants from other states. These crucial workers, who collect and sort recyclable waste materials, are socially marginalised groups, living in poor conditions without access to government schemes for protection against occupational hazards and limited awareness of the dangers of occupational hazards. This paper looks at rag-pickers contributions to resource recovery and waste recycling. This research emphasises their critical role in advancing circular economy principles. Their contribution is often ignored in the literature on urban waste management. Recommendations about improving work conditions, health outcomes, and socio-economic status of a marginalised group were made based on findings obtained from the study.