Waste Picking: Socio-Economic Implications and Safety Practices at an Urban Dumpsite in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the socio-economic implications and safety practices among waste pickers at Olusosun dumpsite, Lagos, Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional design using a total population of two hundred and seventy waste pickers at Olusosun dumpsite was carried out. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and participant observation. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.
Results: Majority (88.1%) of the respondents were male, 11.5% were below 20 years, and 49.6% had at least a secondary education. About 84% claimed the job paid more than other jobs, and 84.4% earned a minimum of N5,000 per week. Twenty-one percent owned houses, and 95.5% were not willing to leave waste picking for another job. All respondents were aware of hazards associated with waste picking, with 78.9% using some form of PPE, of which 43.7% used PPE every time at work.
Conclusion: There are economic opportunities in the recovery of items from wastes at dumpsites, but waste pickers were not adequately protected from job hazards. It is recommended that waste sorting at generation points be encouraged, and the use of PPEs by waste pickers be enforced.