ABSTRACT
The health of ‘informal’ and organized recyclers is at risk because of unsafe working conditions and drivers for socioeconomic exclusion. This chapter helps understand specific health problems and occupational risk factors that affect the workers in this sector. I draw on secondary sources and my own qualitative, empirical, action research. General body pain, injuries and accidents are very frequent among ‘informal’ recyclers. Working in recycling cooperatives can also be precarious and unsafe. Here the workers report chemical and biological hazards, musculoskeletal damage, mechanical trauma, and poor emotional wellbeing. Ergonomically organized workspaces, better source separation at the household, appropriate technology, education and supportive policies can all make the difference to reduce risk factors and to improve the health of recyclers.
