Background

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An estimated 40 million waste pickers and 49 million homeworkers are foundational to global recycling and material production supply chains, yet their vital contributions remain undervalued. As some of the most marginalized and least protected workers, they face systemic social and human rights risks, often laboring in public spaces or at home without recognition. 

 

Businesses, including global brands and local recyclers, have a role to play in protecting workers in their supply chains and implementing responsible sourcing practices. The session will cover pathways to remediation solutions with real-world examples, offering a replicable model for action including recommendations for financing mechanisms across other regions and sectors which also addresses social risks and due diligence and business compliance requirements in addition to safeguarding the rights of the informal economy workers. 

 

The session will also explore the role of media and public information, and will feature diverse voices from across the supply chain in Asia-Pacific, including perspectives from the informal economy workers.

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Key Objectives

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• Share an understanding of the challenges faced by waste pickers and homeworkers, including persistent marginalization, unsafe and hazardous environments, and low wages.

• Provide insights with supporting examples on effective remediation solutions that protect the rights of workers in the informal sector including ways to finance a just transition.

• Demonstrate the role of multi-stakeholder collaboration (including businesses, citizens, and government) to advance access to remedy.

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Guiding Questions

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• In what ways can brands and recycling companies contribute to advancing remediation solutions throughout their supply chains?

• What role should brands and producers play in financing the just transition for waste pickers and homeworkers to comply with human rights norms?

• Media and public narratives shape how society views informal workers. How might SBCC initiatives influence narrative so businesses, governments, and citizens see workers as essential contributors, not invisible labour?

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Format

• An interactive session combining a panel discussion featuring worker voices, a fireside chat featuring business perspectives, and audience polls and the role of media.

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Relevant Resources from Partners

• The Harmonized Responsible Sourcing Framework for Recycled Plastics

• VOICES: Short films featuring stories of waste pickers and informal waste workers 

• The ILO Convention 177: A Key to Home-based Workers’ Rights

• Bangkok Garment Homeworker

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Session partners