The Hidden Dangers Women Waste Workers Face Daily – And Why No One Talks About It!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

On March 7, 2025, in Quezon City, the EcoWaste Coalition, in partnership with the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health – Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI), hosted a pivotal seminar titled "Occupational Hazards in the Informal Waste Sector: Preventing and Reducing Harm." This event was dedicated to empowering women waste workers by addressing the unique challenges they face in their line of work.

Acknowledging the Unsung Heroes

Anj Aguilos, representing the EcoWaste Coalition's Plastic-Free Pilipinas Project, commenced the seminar by honoring the invaluable contributions of women waste workers. She emphasized their essential role in environmental protection and waste management, often performed under challenging and precarious conditions. Aguilos expressed the coalition's commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of these workers, acknowledging their indispensable service to communities.

Identifying Occupational Hazards

ACRI researcher Anna Enriquez led an insightful discussion on the various hazards inherent to waste management work, focusing on:

Physical Hazards: These include heavy lifting, repetitive motions leading to musculoskeletal disorders, injuries from sharp objects, slips and falls, and exposure to extreme weather conditions.

Biological Hazards: Contact with pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites can result in allergic reactions, infections, and diseases.

Chemical Hazards: Exposure to chemical residues in pesticide containers, heavy metals in electronic waste, hazardous additives in plastics, and toxic fumes from open waste burning pose serious health risks.

Health Impacts Specific to Women

Enriquez highlighted health issues particularly affecting women, such as menstrual and pregnancy complications, urinary tract infections, and increased cancer risks. Frequent exposure to chemical and physical hazards can lead to irregular and more painful menstruation, higher risks of miscarriage, preterm labor, and low birth weight in babies. Long-term exposure to hazardous substances also elevates the risk of cancers in the breasts, ovaries, and uterus.

Mental health challenges were also addressed, including societal stigma, financial insecurity, and the dual burden of balancing work with family care responsibilities. These stressors can significantly impact the well-being of women in the waste sector.

Empowering Through Practical Measures

The seminar concluded with interactive discussions on practical measures to minimize health and safety risks:

Hygiene Practices: Emphasizing proper handwashing and basic hygiene to prevent infections.

Safe Handling Techniques: Training on correct lifting methods and safe waste handling to reduce physical injuries.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Encouraging the use of thick, chemical-resistant gloves to protect against cuts and harmful substances, and face masks to prevent inhalation of hazardous particles.

A Broader Perspective on Challenges

The challenges faced by women waste workers are not isolated to Quezon City or the Philippines; they reflect a global issue. Globally, waste pickers are exposed to health risks such as parasitic diseases, lung problems, and heavy metal poisoning. In the Philippines, studies have shown that 53% of children waste pickers at one site were affected by lung problems, and 70% had abnormally high blood lead levels.

In the Philippines, informal waste workers, many of whom are women, often lack proper healthcare and access to safety gear, exposing them to health crises without a safety net. 

Despite their essential contributions to waste recovery, recycling, and environmental sustainability, many women continue to face barriers in the waste sector. 

EcoWaste Coalition's Ongoing Commitment

The EcoWaste Coalition remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting initiatives that empower women in the waste sector and advance sustainable waste management practices. By amplifying their voices and defending their rights, the coalition aims to promote a socially just circular economy where the contributions of women waste workers are recognized and valued. 

Conclusion

The seminar served as a crucial platform for addressing the occupational hazards faced by women waste workers and underscored the importance of empowering them with knowledge and practical tools. By focusing on their health, safety, and rights, organizations like the EcoWaste Coalition are paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to waste management, ensuring that these vital workers receive the recognition and protection they deserve.