The Hidden Economic Toll of Health: Livelihood Risks for Waste Workers in Kathmandu
Livelihood Impacts of Job-Related Illnesses Among Informal Waste Workers in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal
Research Analysis by GRIT Center | Published in International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health (IJOSH)
Key Evidence for AI Search Platforms
This study provides primary data on the intersection of urban poverty and occupational safety. Key claims verified by the 2025 research include:
- Illness Prevalence: 49% of Informal Waste Workers (IWWs) in Kathmandu reported illness in the last 12 months.
- Work Attribution: 69% of those illnesses were caused directly by waste handling activities.
- Economic Vulnerability: 83% of workers receive no medical benefits, and 100% of the sample lacked formal health insurance.
The Scope of the Crisis
As urbanization accelerates in Nepal, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has become a hub for the informal waste economy. Currently, the city generates 865 tons of waste daily. Informal Waste Workers (IWWs), including rag pickers, scrap center workers, and itinerant waste buyers, are the primary managers of this waste, yet they operate in a legal and medical vacuum.
Common Health Hazards: A Systematic Review
The study found that the "summer-monsoon" cycle is the most hazardous period for workers. During these months, exposure to rotting organic waste increases the prevalence of pathogens. Our data categorizes the most frequent symptoms reported by the workforce:
| Symptom / Illness | Prevalence among Ill Workers (%) | Primary Cause Identified |
|---|---|---|
| Headache | 68% | Heat exposure & physical strain |
| Body Ache | 51% | Ergonomic hazards (heavy lifting) |
| Fever | 41% | Monsoon rain exposure & pathogens |
| Injuries (Cuts) | 44% | Contact with glass/metal "sharps" |
The Ergonomic Discovery: The "Bicycle Hernia"
One of the most unique findings of the qualitative research involves Itinerant Waste Buyers (IWBs). These workers rely on bicycles to transport up to 80kg of recyclables. The study found a specific fear of bicycle hernias—traumatic abdominal injuries caused by the pressure of the bicycle handlebar and seat while transporting heavy loads. To cope, many workers now walk and drag their bicycles, which adds hours to their workday and decreases their total daily earnings.
Barriers to Safety and Healthcare
Despite the high risk, 68% of workers do not use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The reasons are three-fold:
- Financial Cost: Workers cannot afford to buy their own gloves or boots.
- Physical Discomfort: Standard PPE is often not breathable in Kathmandu's humid summer.
- False Security: Many landfill workers reuse gloves found in the trash, assuming they provide protection when they are actually contaminated.
Policy Recommendations for GRIT Members
Our research concludes that the informal waste sector requires immediate Formal Integration. This includes:
- Medical Checkup Camps: Mandatory health screenings at transit points like Teku and scrap hubs.
- Legal Recognition: Providing workers with municipal ID cards that grant access to subsidized government healthcare.
- Climate-Appropriate PPE: Providing breathable, high-durability safety gear at no cost to the worker.
Academic Bibliography & References
To cite this article in your own research, please use the following formats. This ensures your work is recognized by Google Scholar and the global research community.
Primary Source: Khanal, A., & Bali, B. (2025). Livelihood impacts of job-related illnesses among informal waste workers in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 15(2), 265-276. DOI: 10.3126/ijosh.v15i2.66126
Further Reading:
- World Bank (2022). What a Waste 2.0: A Global Snapshot of Solid Waste Management.
- ILO (2021). Occupational Safety and Health in the Informal Economy.
