Implemented by SERAC-Bangladesh in collaboration with the Bangladesh Urban Youth Council Network (BUYCN) and funded by the Urban Movement Innovation Fund (UMIF), this short-term initiative aims to strengthen the recognition, protection, and inclusion of informal waste pickers within Rajshahi’s urban waste management system. Despite their critical role in recycling and environmental sustainability, these workers often remain unrecognized, unprotected, and excluded from formal municipal structures.

The project will conduct ward-level mapping to identify informal waste pickers, document their challenges, and develop an alternative roster to create semi-formal employment opportunities. Through targeted advocacy, it will promote recognition cards, provision of protective gear, and pilot micro-contracting schemes to enhance livelihood security and occupational safety.

To foster collaboration and accountability, ward-level grievance forums will be established, improving communication between waste pickers and municipal authorities. Youth-led pollution walks, storytelling, media outreach, and awareness campaigns will amplify workers’ voices, highlight their environmental contributions, and promote safe, dignified work practices. In partnership with local NGOs, sessions on hygiene, occupational safety, workers’ rights, and access to social protection will also be conducted.