Author(s)

ASABONGA MNGENI

Abstract

Waste collectors are responsible for collecting large amounts of waste, protecting the environment from contamination, avoiding damage to municipal infrastructure and promoting a healthy society. Nevertheless, waste collectors are exposed to a variety of health risks that directly affect their ability to make a living. This paper examined the health risks faced by water collectors in Mthatha, South Africa. The study findings were analysed and presented using thematic analysis. The study’s main conclusions are that attaining Sustainable Development Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities in Mthatha city threatens Sustainable Development Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being. Nonetheless, this can be minimized with coordinated and cooperative efforts from waste collectors, urban residents and municipal officials. Therefore, to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 11 through waste collection, workers’ rights, safety and health must be prioritized. Furthermore, strict labour laws that safeguard workers in the waste management and other urban development industries can help achieve this.

Keywords

sustainable development, waste management, risk, health, waste collectors, city