Understanding the barriers and opportunities for scavengers in the informal waste recycling sector. A case study in Semarang, Indonesia
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2024-07-14
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en
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Abstract
In our daily lives, we don’t think much about where our trash ends up, especially in developed countries where it is simply picked up from the side of the road. However, waste management is a critical issue facing cities all around the world. Semarang, Indonesia, is no exception to this global challenge (Maryono & Hasmantika, 2019). With approximately 2 million residents (World Population Review, 2024), most of the city's waste comes from households. The current waste management system relies heavily on community groups, NGOs, and scavengers, as government involvement is minimal. Scavengers, who manually sort waste at the Final Disposal Site (FDS), play a crucial role in recycling. At the FDS, scavengers reuse and recycle 30% of the waste, selling it back to the private sector. The FDS opened in 1992 and was planned to have a lifespan of 10 years (Setianto, 2021), but due to the recycling practices of the scavengers, which decreases the overall volume of the waste, the landfill is still in use to this day. Despite their crucial role in the waste management sector, they face significant barriers, including hazardous working conditions and economic instability. This research explores the barriers and opportunities affecting the livelihoods of scavengers in Semarang’s informal waste sector. The aim of the research is:
To provide valuable insights to understand the complex factors that impact the livelihoods of
scavengers working at the FDS in Semarang. By doing this, this research hopes to share
useful information that could support improvements in the waste management practices in
Semarang in general and for the livelihoods of scavengers working at the FDS.
The research uses several theories to understand the scavengers' livelihoods. It examines the dynamics of the informal waste recycling sector. Network theory helps analyze the relationships among scavengers, collectors, and authorities (Borgatti & Halgin, 2011). Socio-economic factors like income, education, and social status are crucial in understanding the barriers and opportunities scavengers face (Kala et al., 2020). Government policies also significantly impact this sector (John, 2012). The livelihood approach is employed to explore various assets, including human, social, physical, financial, and natural capital (Scoones, 2009), providing a comprehensive view of the barriers and opportunities for scavengers.
A case study approach was used in this research, focusing specifically on scavengers at the FDS. Data was collected through 17 semi-structured interviews with scavengers, NGO employees, and a government representative, using convenience and snowball sampling methods. A grounded theory approach was used for data analysis, identifying key themes and patterns through open, axial, and selective coding.
The results of the research show that scavengers in Semarang have minimal education, face health issues, and rely heavily on family and community networks. They live in poor housing conditions, with inadequate tools and financial instability. Financial necessity, lack of education, and social influences push them into scavenging, despite its instability. The ineffective waste management system complicates their work, although initiatives like waste banks show promise. Networks with buyers, NGOs, and community members provide some stability, but government support is minimal, leaving scavengers without legal and social protections. Upcoming Waste to Energy projects might further threaten their income.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen