Occupational safety and health
Strengthening workplace safety of waste segregation workers in Nepal
The ILO works to improve the safety, dignity and working conditions of sanitation workers in Kathmandu, Nepal to build a future where waste management jobs are formal, safe, and respected.
5 March 2025
KATHMANDU (ILO News) – Waste management workers play a vital role to collect, sort, and dispose of the waste that the communities generate. In Kathmandu Valley alone, more than 1,200 metric tonnes of waste are produced daily.
Yet, despite the critical role that they play, many of waste workers work without proper contracts, fair wages, or access to health and safety protections. Often, they face dangerous working conditions, including exposure to sharp objects, toxic substances, and airborne diseases. The ILO Nepal and Solid Waste Management Association of Nepal (SWMAN) are working closely with 65 private companies to ensure a formal, safe, and decent working conditions for workers in the solid waste management sector.
To promote a safer and healthier work environment, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Nepal, in collaboration with SWMAN, distributed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to 50 waste segregation workers at a transfer site in Gorkarneswar Municipality, Kathmandu on 5 March 2025.
The PPE sets comprising masks, gloves, shoes, and caps aim to protect workers from occupational hazards and injuries while handling waste.
“The distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits today is not just about handing out gloves, masks, and boots-it’s about recognizing the rights of waste workers to work safely and with dignity. Every worker deserves protection from workplace hazards, and every employer has a responsibility to ensure that safety measures are in place," stated Numan Özcan, Country Director of ILO Nepal.
After the distribution of PPE, SWMAN company managers provided an orientation on the proper use and maintenance of the PPE to the workers. “I am grateful for the PPE set, which will help me stay safe while handling waste,” said a worker at the transfer site.
“As an umbrella organization representing 65 waste management companies and over 5,000 workers, we have taken this initiative together with the ILO to ensure protection and well-being of workers. We look forward to the continued partnership and collaboration,” highlighted Dhurba Kumar Acharya, Chairperson of SWMAN.
The PPE distribution event is part of the ILO’s Promoting Rights and Social Inclusion through Organization and Formalization (PRS) Phase II project, supported by the Government of Japan. The project partners with the government, SWMAN and workers’ organizations, All Nepal Federation of Trade Unions (ANTUF) and General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) to promote decent work for solid waste management workers across nine municipalities in Bagmati Province.
“Ensuring a safe, fair and dignified workplace is a shared responsibility among all of us. It also requires behavioural change to take active steps to prevent injuries and illnesses,” shared Ms Dhanu Dahal, Chairperson of All Nepal Cleaning Workers’ Union (ANCWU), an affiliate union of ANTUF.
This year, the project will support SWMAN implement the Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures to ensure safe and healthy working environment for solid waste management workers. SWMAN also plans to adopt the Code of Conduct to prevent harassment and violence at workplace.
For more information, please contact:
Heejin Ahn
Project Technical Officer and Coordinator
ILO Country Office for Nepal