The human cost of recycling: Kenyan waste pickers put their health at risk
Summary
At Nairobi’s Dandora landfill, waste pickers recover recyclable materials from about 2,000 tonnes of dumped waste each day, often facing injuries from sharp objects and exposure to toxic fumes. The report says only 7 percent of plastic at the site can be recycled, reflecting the challenges of managing waste in Kenya and worldwide.Key Facts
- About 2,000 tonnes of waste are dumped each day at Dandora landfill in Nairobi.
- Waste pickers at the site salvage materials for recycling.
- Workers face injuries from sharp objects and exposure to toxic fumes.
- The report says only 7 percent of plastic at the landfill can be recycled.
- The article says 460 million tonnes of plastic are produced worldwide each year.
- According to the United Nations, only 9 percent of plastic produced worldwide will ever be recycled.
- Kenya has banned plastic bags, but its recycling industry is still in its early stages.
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