The Role of Informal Waste Pickers in Plastic Waste Recycling: Case Studies from African Cities

Plastic waste management is an escalating challenge in African cities, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and inadequate formal waste management systems. Informal waste pickers serve as crucial actors in plastic waste recycling, playing a vital role in diverting waste from landfills and reintroducing materials into the recycling value chain. This article examines their contributions, focusing on their involvement in waste collection, sorting, and material recovery. Through case studies from Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, it explores the economic, environmental, and social benefits of their work while highlighting the significant challenges they face, including hazardous working conditions, lack of recognition, and limited access to formal markets. The discussion also delves into policy frameworks and interventions that could enhance their contributions, such as formalization efforts, financial support, and inclusive waste management strategies. Additionally, the article evaluates regulatory gaps and potential models for integrating informal waste pickers into municipal waste systems. Finally, it presents recommendations for strengthening waste governance, fostering public-private collaborations, and advancing sustainable, inclusive circular economies in African urban settings. Keywords: Informal Waste Pickers, Plastic Waste Recycling, African Cities, Circular Economy, Waste Management Policy