In many developing countries, the unsung workforce of waste collectors plays a critical role in maintaining urban sanitation and public health. Yet, the psychosocial work environment these individuals endure remains largely underexplored despite its significant implications for their health, safety, psychological well-being, and overall productivity. A pioneering scoping review conducted by Maneen et al. (2025) sheds unprecedented light on the complex psychosocial dynamics that shape the experiences of waste collectors in these regions. Their comprehensive analysis, recently published in BMC Psychology, not only elucidates the multifaceted challenges faced by this essential labor force but also offers critical insights into potential pathways for improving working conditions and enhancing productivity.
Waste collectors in developing countries are often subjected to unique occupational hazards deeply rooted not only in physical dangers but also in social and psychological stressors. These workers commonly operate in hazardous environments characterized by poorly managed waste sites, exposure to infectious materials, and lack of adequate protective equipment. However, beyond these tangible threats, the psychosocial components—such as job insecurity, social stigma, inadequate organizational support, and chronic stress—play a determinative role in influencing their health outcomes and job performance. Maneen and colleagues artfully dissect these factors, providing a nuanced understanding of how intertwined psychosocial risks jeopardize wellbeing and safety in the waste collection sector.
The review draws attention to the high incidence of mental health challenges among waste collectors, a dimension often overshadowed by the more visible physical risks. Factors such as social isolation, discrimination due to the nature of their work, and the dissatisfaction stemming from precarious employment conditions induce psychological strain. The authors emphasize that chronic stress and anxiety linked to job instability and social ostracization are potent predictors of diminished work engagement and increased absenteeism. These findings underscore the necessity of incorporating mental health considerations into occupational health frameworks for waste management workers.
A particularly striking revelation from the review is the pervasive impact of organizational and policy deficiencies on the psychosocial working environment of waste collectors. Lack of clear communication channels, insufficient training opportunities, and the absence of participatory decision-making mechanisms compound worker frustration and demotivation. The power dynamics between management and workers frequently undermine trust and contribute to an oppressive work atmosphere, further exacerbating mental health challenges. The study suggests that interventions fostering participative governance and transparent communication could serve as catalysts for improving workplace morale and productivity.
Importantly, the review situates psychosocial risks within the socioeconomic realities of developing countries, where poverty and informal employment structures prevail. Many waste collectors operate within informal economies lacking legal protections, social security, and union representation, rendering them vulnerable to exploitation and neglect. This context intensifies psychosocial stressors and necessitates tailored policy responses attuned to the informal labor landscape. Maneen et al. argue that normalizing occupational health and safety regulations for informal workers is a critical step toward mitigating psychosocial risks and fostering sustainable work environments.
The intersectionality of gender also emerges as a salient theme in the review. Female waste collectors often bear the compounded burden of workplace hazards and societal gender norms that marginalize their contributions. The psychosocial stresses faced by women in this sector encompass not only occupational risks but also challenges linked to balancing unpaid domestic responsibilities with demanding work schedules. The authors advocate for gender-sensitive workplace policies that acknowledge and address these unique stressors, promoting equity and empowerment.
Another dimension explored in the study involves the influence of community perceptions on the psychosocial well-being of waste collectors. Stigma surrounding waste handling labor fosters social exclusion, diminishing workers’ self-esteem and community support networks. This social alienation feeds into a vicious cycle of psychosocial distress, negatively impacting health and productivity. Maneen and coworkers emphasize the importance of public awareness campaigns to reposition waste collectors as vital contributors to environmental sustainability and public health, thereby improving their social standing and psychosocial resilience.
The review also highlights the ramifications of psychosocial risks on safety compliance and accident rates within waste collection work. Elevated stress and poor mental health can impair concentration, decision-making, and adherence to safety protocols, increasing the probability of workplace injuries. By integrating psychosocial risk assessments into occupational safety programs, organizations can more effectively identify vulnerable workers and implement preventive measures, ultimately reducing accident prevalence and enhancing overall safety culture.
Underpinning the study is a call for multisectoral collaboration involving policymakers, employers, health professionals, and the workers themselves to co-create psychosocial risk reduction strategies. Maneen et al. underscore that isolated interventions are insufficient; instead, comprehensive frameworks addressing structural inequalities, labor rights, mental health services, and workplace culture are necessary. The review advocates for establishing national guidelines on psychosocial workplace risks, especially tailored to the informal and resource-constrained settings prevalent in developing countries.
Technology adoption is identified as a promising vector for mitigating psychosocial risks among waste collectors. Digital tools facilitating communication, training, and health monitoring can empower workers and streamline organizational management. However, the authors caution that technological interventions must be accessible and user-friendly to avoid exacerbating inequities. Embracing innovative solutions alongside participatory approaches can bridge gaps in psychosocial support and foster adaptive, resilient work environments.
Critically, this review situates the psychosocial well-being of waste collectors within the broader context of sustainable urban development and circular economy models. By safeguarding the health and productivity of waste workers, municipalities and waste management companies can optimize recycling and waste reduction efforts, yielding environmental and economic dividends. Maneen and colleagues argue that investing in psychosocial risk management is not merely a labor rights issue but a strategic imperative for sustainable city planning and resilience.
The study’s methodological rigor, combining thematic analyses of diverse empirical studies and contextual reports, provides a rich evidence base that enables grounded yet visionary recommendations. It bridges disciplinary silos by integrating psychological theories, occupational health frameworks, and sociological perspectives, offering a holistic lens through which to comprehend and act upon the psychosocial challenges faced by this vulnerable workforce.
As the global community faces mounting urbanization and environmental pressures, the role of waste collectors takes on increasing significance. Maneen et al.’s review is a clarion call to recognize and remediate the psychosocial risks afflicting these workers, whose health and well-being are vital for the sustainability of urban ecosystems. Their findings illuminate practical pathways for improving workplace regimes, underscoring the intersection of social justice, public health, and environmental stewardship in advancing the dignity and safety of waste collectors worldwide.
In conclusion, this seminal scoping review serves as a critical foundation for future research and policy initiatives aimed at enhancing the psychosocial conditions of waste collectors in developing countries. Its insights resonate beyond regional boundaries, challenging global stakeholders to rethink labor practices through a psychosocial lens. The convergence of social science and occupational health illuminated in this study paves the way for transformative approaches that promise to uplift one of the most marginalized yet indispensable workforces on the planet.
Subject of Research: Psychosocial work factors affecting health, safety, well-being, and productivity of waste collectors in developing countries
Article Title: Psychosocial work factors influencing health, safety, well-being and productivity of waste collectors in developing countries: a scoping review
Article References:
Maneen, S., Botha, N.N., Amoadu, M. et al. Psychosocial work factors influencing health, safety, well-being and productivity of waste collectors in developing countries: a scoping review. BMC Psychol 13, 885 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-03251-5
Image Credits: AI Generated
