Role and importance of informal collectors in the municipal waste pre-collection system in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Since 2007, the primary collection of domestic wastes from households to the transfer stations was removed from the waste management system in Abidjan, capital city of Côte d'Ivoire. The situation has led to the emergence of “private” waste pre-collectors (WPC) to compensate the gap and to respond to urban population needs in terms of public health. The objective of the study was to understand the motivation, role and importance of these WPC in the management of the municipal wastes. Through a survey of 400 households, 37 WPC and staff of institutions involved in the municipal wastes management, it was shown that there is no legal framework governing the activity and that the large majority of the WPC are informal workers using only very basic equipment such as wheelbarrows and carts. Most of them are between 20 and 39 years old and have joined the sector because of unemployment. They have mean monthly revenue of about 70,000 FCFA (115 USD), which is slightly higher than the minimum salary of 60,000 FCFA. Besides, 78% of the population using the service are highly satisfied. Moreover, people in charge of sanitation and hygiene in the different municipalities of Abidjan have confirmed the benefits from the WPC works. They have not only contributed to the extension of the areas covered by the overall waste management system but also greatly contributed to the improvement of Abidjan's population living environment by minimizing the environmental risks associated with the accumulation of wastes on streets. It was accepted by the stakeholders that the WPC should continue managing the pre-collection line. However, for the sustainability of the service, it was strongly advised that the WPC move into formal structures with the support from the government and non-governmental organizations.