Exploring Income Generating Opportunities Through Garbage Collection In Pakistan

Abstract

Purpose: The study explores the role of informal waste collectors in Pakistan's solid waste management (SWM) system, highlighting their contributions to environmental sustainability, income generation, and community development. Design/Methodology/Approach: A qualitative research design was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 waste pickers across major urban centers. Thematic analysis was applied to identify key socio-economic, environmental, and entrepreneurial patterns. Findings: Waste pickers contribute significantly to waste recovery and recycling efforts but face multiple socio-economic vulnerabilities, including health risks, exploitation, and social stigma. Participants demonstrate entrepreneurial capabilities, yet their potential remains largely untapped without formal institutional support. Originality/Value: The study provides a novel contribution by framing informal waste collection through sustainable livelihoods and social inclusion theories in the Pakistani context. It highlights pathways for transforming informal scavenging activities into formal green entrepreneurship initiatives. Practical Implications: Policy recommendations include formal recognition of waste pickers, formation of cooperatives, provision of health and safety training, microfinance access, and the development of inclusive waste management policies integrating the informal sector into the national recycling economy.

Waste pickers, informal economy, solid waste management, green entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods, social inclusion, Pakistan, circular economy.