Overview

There is too much waste generated daily in Uganda. Most of the waste collected in Uganda’s capital city finds its way to the Kiteezi landfill site. Despite the low collection levels throught the city, an estimated 1,500 tons of waste is brought to the landfill every day. Communities around the landfill live with contaminated air, scattered waste and leachate. Water resources for drinking and domestic purposes have become polluted. The Kiteezi landfill is home to 800 waste pickers that sort and recover material for reentry into the economy. Waste Pickers in Kampala City have proven to to be critical in sifting through the waste. Despite their societal, environmental and economic roles, waste pickers are exposed to unhealthy working conditions, low pay, social stigmas, exploitation from middle-men and corporate polluters, weak laws, and endure abuse from authorities.