Towards Incorporating the Informal Sector Operators in the Organizational Structure of Solid Waste Management Agencies in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

The disregard for the informal sector operators (scavengers or waste pickers) in solid waste management system in Nigeria has led to their non inclusion in policies and in the organizational structure of waste management agencies. Informal sector contributions in solid waste management system has been huge in view of their activities in sorting re-usable and recyclable materials from heaps of refuse in dumpsites and converting these wastes to wealth at a high risk of their health. This contradicts the official perception of urban waste pickers as mentally derailed persons. This paper looks into the response of a sample of these operators towards participating in urban solid waste management system in Nigeria and emphasized on positive actions to government and its agencies towards the increasing operations of the sector with respect to sustainable solid waste management options so as to determine ways of incorporating them into the organizational structure of the government agencies. A review of existing environmental management laws in the state and indeed the entire country was recommended so as to foster proper public sector reform that would effectively incorporate the informal sector in order to ensure job creation and sustainable environmental management mechanism.

Key words: Informal sector; Organizational structure; Solid waste management