In recent years, urban waste management has emerged as a crucial issue not only in developing countries but also across the globe, wherein diverse socioeconomic groups engage in waste collection as a means of subsistence. A study undertaken by researchers Amin, Umrotun, and Wibowo in urban Indonesia delves into the complexities of livelihood security for waste picker households. This detailed investigation employs a multifaceted six-capital lens that encompasses financial, physical, natural, human, social, and political capital. Such a comprehensive approach is pivotal for understanding the intricate challenges faced by these households.
At the heart of the research is the acknowledgment of waste pickers as an integral part of the urban ecosystem whose contributions extend beyond mere economic transactions. The study posits that the livelihoods of these waste pickers are often precarious due to a lack of access to supportive resources and services, which is further exacerbated by social stigma. Understanding these factors is vital since waste pickers play a significant role in recycling and waste management, contributing to environmental sustainability and urban cleanliness.
Financial capital plays a critical role in assessing livelihood security. Waste pickers typically earn a modest income, often fluctuating based on the types and quantities of materials collected. This financial instability creates challenges in meeting daily needs, such as food security and children’s education. The study reveals that while some waste pickers can generate sufficient income, many others struggle to sustain their households. An exploration of income diversification strategies is also critical, as many waste pickers seek additional revenue streams to buffer against market fluctuations in recyclable material prices.
Physical capital, which includes the tools and equipment necessary for efficient waste collection, is another critical component of the research. The study discusses the inadequacies faced by waste pickers regarding the tools required for their work. For instance, lacking proper protective gear exposes them to various health hazards. Moreover, the absence of access to facilities such as sorting centers or safe storage spaces for collected waste compounds their challenges. Ensuring adequate physical capital is essential for enhancing the efficiency and safety of their operations.
Another dimension of capital explored in the research is natural capital, which refers to the resources provided by nature that are essential for a sustainable livelihood. Waste pickers often rely on their direct environment for materials to collect, yet they face added challenges as urbanization encroaches on natural spaces. The study sheds light on how environmental degradation not only affects the quality of materials available for collection but also the health of the communities in which these waste pickers operate. The research underscores the pressing need for sustainable urban planning that considers the habitat of waste pickers.
Human capital, which pertains to the skills, knowledge, and health of individuals, features prominently in the analysis. The researchers advocate for improved educational opportunities for waste picker families, as a lack of education significantly impacts their ability to secure better livelihoods. Health issues arising from exposure to hazardous waste are also a considerable concern, and the study identifies a gap in access to healthcare services for waste pickers. Addressing these human capital deficits is essential for ensuring that waste picker households can break the cycle of poverty and achieve greater economic resilience.
Social capital retains significance in the context of community networks and support systems. The study reveals that waste pickers often rely on informal networks for assistance and solidarity, which can bolster their collective strength. However, the stigma attached to their work often alienates them from more formal support systems. Enhancing social capital through community organization and advocacy can empower waste picker households to assert their rights and seek better conditions.
Political capital, focusing on the rights and agency of individuals within the socioeconomic spectrum, is a crucial element for waste pickers. The research underscores the importance of recognizing waste pickers as legitimate stakeholders in urban policy dialogues. Their contributions toward recycling and environmental management can no longer be overlooked. The authors call for inclusive policies that involve waste pickers in decision-making processes, providing them with avenues for representation and participation in shaping the systems that affect their livelihoods.
This publication contributes significantly to the body of knowledge surrounding informal economies and sustainable development. By utilizing a six-capital framework, the researchers highlight that addressing the livelihood security of waste pickers requires a holistic approach that transcends individual capital types and recognizes their interconnectedness. The comprehensive insights provided by the study can inform policymakers, NGOs, and urban planners about the multifaceted needs of waste picker communities.
Moreover, the findings advocate for implementing supportive measures that enhance the resilience of waste picker households. Initiatives could include financial literacy programs, investment in better equipment, and health and safety training, which collectively enhance their capabilities and reduce vulnerability. It also underscores the need for legal recognition and regulation of waste pickers’ rights to ensure they can work in safer conditions and with access to social protections.
In essence, the study by Amin and colleagues serves as a compelling call to action: for cities globally to better integrate waste pickers into sustainable development frameworks. Through cross-sectoral collaboration, it is possible to create urban environments where waste pickers can thrive, thus leading to more equitable and sustainable cities in the future. The implications of their work extend far beyond the boundaries of Indonesia, resonating with urban waste management discussions worldwide.
As urban populations continue to burgeon and waste volumes increase, the model presented in this research is timely and critical. Understanding the complexities of waste picker livelihoods through a multifaceted lens will be fundamental to promoting sustainable futures, enhancing social equity, and safeguarding environmental health for communities globally. This is an issue that affects us all and demands urgent attention, action, and an inclusive approach in global urban policy.
Subject of Research: Livelihood security of waste picker households in urban Indonesia.
Article Title: Assessing livelihood security through a six-capital lens within waste picker households in urban Indonesia.
Article References:
Amin, C., Umrotun, U., Wibowo, A.A. et al. Assessing livelihood security through a six-capital lens within waste picker households in urban Indonesia.
Discov Sustain 6, 1273 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-02175-9
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-02175-9
Keywords: Waste pickers, Livelihood security, Urban sustainability, Indonesia, Six-capital framework.
