But just like the dirty Jamal and Salim have to escape the censuring eyes of society, riding atop trains and living amongst rubbish, real life presents problems for waste pickers that cannot be ignored: a majority of waste pickers, as per the survey, do not wash clothes as: a) they cannot find a place to wash their clothes and, b) they cannot find a place to dry their clothes. Sixty per cent of the men said that the problem of washing clothes was one of the most severe ones in relation to staying clean. Almost 100 per cent of the men surveyed said they were not satisfied with their bathing facilities. The health ramifications are worse: only 43 per cent of the women have ever been hospitalised for medical care (mostly for reproduction), while 30 per cent of the men have been hospitalised (for accidents and burns). A common obstacle for availing good medical facilities was discrimination, say the waste pickers. The study indicates therefore that the perceived “dirtiness” of the waste pickers leads to discrimination, and then ironically, further “dirtiness”.

A range of advocacy suggests that waste pickers, who also recycle our waste, should be recognised and made a part of official waste management machinery, instead of putting in new systems or rendering waste pickers jobless. The December 2008 CAG Audit on Municipal Solid Waste for India suggests that legal recognition be given to rag-pickers and work conditions be improved. This is to sustain existing livelihoods and lives, make recycling more organised, and provide safety for those working with hazardous waste and filth.

... contd.