What does everyday life look like for those who work with waste on a daily basis, while at the same time contributing to environmental protection?

The second case study from the analysis “From Diversity to Justice – Equal in the Right to a Healthy and Sustainable Environment for All” opens the topic of waste not only as an environmental issue, but also as a social and economic one.

The study focuses on informal waste collectors, their visibility within the system, and the challenges they face in their daily work. It highlights:

• the lack of institutional recognition of their role;
• social vulnerability and economic insecurity;
• the potential for better integration into formal waste management systems.

Through this example, the study opens a broader discussion on social justice, inclusive policies, and sustainable solutions that take into account both the environment and the people who depend on it.

Instead of viewing waste solely as a problem, this case study invites us to reflect on it as an opportunity for social inclusion, decent work, and environmental responsibility.

📘 The case study is available in four languages – Macedonian, Albanian, Romani, and English.

👉 Read the full case study here

ℹ️ The case study was developed within the project “ZZZ – Together for Green Advocacy for Environmental Protection”, funded by the Government of Switzerland through the Civica Mobilitas program, and implemented by the Center for Youth Activism KRIK, Center for Social Initiatives “Nadez”, and the Association of Social Workers of Macedonia – ZSRM.

The views expressed in this publication are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of Switzerland, Civica Mobilitas, or the organizations implementing the program.