D6.2. Policy framework supporting waste picker's livelihoods (policy brief)

This document is a deliverable of the WORM Project, funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the grant agreement No 101135392.

This document aims to address the need to integrate informal waste pickers into humanitarian livelihood programmes as a pathway to social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. Waste pickers play a critical role in reducing landfill waste, preventing pollution, and advancing circular 
economy goals, yet they remain among the most marginalized workers globally—facing significant health hazards, income insecurity, and social stigma.

The report proposes a comprehensive policy framework grounded in the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) and informed by field research, stakeholder workshops, and case studies from Kenya, Vietnam, and other contexts. Key principles include dignity, health and safety, formal recognition, economic inclusion, capacity building, and environmental stewardship. The framework emphasizes codesign with waste pickers, integration with local waste management systems, and alignment with circular economy strategies according to a ten-step process including (1) goal and scope; (2) stakeholder identification; (3) data collection; (4) waste value chain mapping; (5) programme design and planning; (6) capacity building, training, and education; (7) infrastructure and equipment provision; (8) formalization and legal advocacy; (9) market engagement and value chain development; and (10) monitoring, evaluation, adaptation, and outreach. Furthermore, we also provide recommendations on how to integrate livelihoods programmes with a waste picking component into existing/innovative circular economy business models.