“Before we handled waste without fully realising its worth. Now, we understand the recycling process from start to finish. We see that our work is not just about collecting waste-it is an essential part of the circular economy”

The words of Sugna, a dedicated informal waste worker (IWW) from Udaipur, as she received her very first certification in plastic processing. A moment marking not only her participation in a very exciting new FINILOOP training programme, but also an important step on her road to formal, dignified employment within the waste value chain.

Across the world IWWs play a key role in plastic waste management, yet too often are undervalued, struggle to earn a decent living and face dangerous working conditions. Through our city based plastic waste management programme, FINILOOP, we are changing this reality by building trust with the IWW community, improving working conditions, providing access to vital services, such as healthcare, and facilitating skills training like the new programme Sugna had the opportunity to participate in.

Working in partnership to provide plastic processing training

In March this year, FINILOOP launched its first IWW plastic processing skill training in partnership with the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET). Utilising the extensive knowledge and curriculum within CIPET, a tailor-made five-day residential workshop took place in Jaipur which provided an immersive learning experience for 14 IWWs from Udaipur. A training designed to enhance the technical competencies of IWWs in plastic recycling and processing, equipping them with confidence and skills to enhance their livelihood opportunities within the waste value chain. 

Highlights of the five-day agenda included:  

• Hands on simple chemical experiments to understand and identify the different types of plastic and their recyclability  

• Exploring different plastic recycling processes, the equipment and the opportunities to go beyond waste collection 

• Field visits to see plastic processing and recycling in action covering everything from sorting and shredding to moulding and seeing new products come to life 

• A session on health and safety in the workplace ensuring that workers in high-risk environments are equipped to protect themselves effectively  

• Time to share experiences of working within waste collection and the many challenges 

“Before today, machines seemed beyond our reach. Now, we understand how they operate and why they are essential. Perhaps one day, we will be the ones operating these machines.” – Laxman, IWW training participant 

More than practical skills 

The insightful workshop culminated in participants receiving a formal certificate endorsed by a government body and acknowledged by various organisations. A milestone which marks the first step to informal workers being recognised as professionals within the waste management sector creating a path to formal employment.  

Alongside technical skills, the training most importantly provided a powerful sense of renewed confidence with participants sharing their vision for a better future where they are valued and have dignity in their work:  

“What stood out most was how we were treated. We were given proper facilities, clean drinking water, and a space to learn without feeling out of place. It made us feel valued.” – Badal, IWW participant 

Looking to the future  

As participants look to the future, they now see themselves not just as waste collectors but as key contributors to the recycling economy, with the potential for more significant opportunities.  

Already skills and knowledge are being put into practice, but perhaps the biggest testament to this sense of empowerment is that participants were inspired to take on further training. With the support of FINILOOP, four IWWs are now enrolled in a six-month plastic waste management diploma course at CIPET opening the door to countless more opportunities.  

This kind of training is just one part of FINILOOP’s system-based approach embedding IWWs in municipal services and recycling value chains through enhancing access to high-value waste, strengthening buyer linkages and delivering tailored skills training.  

Over the coming months more IWWs will have the chance to take part in training and the curriculum will continue to be developed and improved for maximum impact. FINILOOP is committed to sharing knowledge and learnings, if you would like to partner with us on this please reach out to [email protected]