Eradicating poverty among the waste workers through waste collection? A case study of Dhaka City

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to examine the factors affecting the waste collection to poverty reduction among the waste workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Particular interest is on the question whether the contribution of some determinants actively plays a role in reducing the possibility of being poor. This issue is particularly significant since it has been argued in various relevant literatures. There is potential for the waste picking sector to play an important role in alleviating poverty of the waste workers. This research provides the empirical evidence for answering this question by estimating a logistic regression model using primary data gathered within Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Research results showed that the education of the respondent, number of the dependent in family, training, and collection of recyclable items were significant negative predictors at 5% level of significance. Framing policy to develop skilled waste workers could be an effective strategy towards implementing a sustainable waste management system in Bangladesh. The findings of this study imply that promoting organised and systematic waste management activities, such as intensifying urban industrialisation with formal sector, will have a positive impact on efforts to reduce poverty.