ILO Nepal Boosts Safety, Rights and Formalization for Waste Management Workers

Waste workers—particularly those employed via subcontractors—have historically lacked contracts, insurance, and protective equipment.

Informal workers across Nepal—particularly those in the waste management sector—often operate without written employment contracts, social protection, or adequate safety measures. They face insecure jobs, low wages, hazardous working conditions, and gender-based vulnerabilities. To address these systemic issues, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Nepal is advancing efforts to promote safer, fairer and more inclusive workplaces through its Promoting Rights and Social Inclusion through Organization and Formalization (PRS) – Phase 2 Project.

The project supports the Solid Waste Management Association of Nepal (SWMAN) and its 65 affiliated private waste management companies in improving working conditions, enhancing operational practices, and formalizing employment in a sector long dominated by informality.

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ILO Leadership Visits Waste Management Sites

On 15 December 2025, ILO Nepal Country Director Numan Özcan visited two private companies—Tarkeshwor Sarsafai Tatha Watawaran Samrakshan Pvt. Ltd. and Nepsemyak Sewa Pvt. Ltd.—to assess the implementation of occupational safety and health (OSH) measures and observe newly established welfare facilities. These include:

• Rest areas for workers

• Breastfeeding rooms

• Separate restroom facilities for men and women

The visit allowed the ILO team to speak directly with waste collectors and segregators, gathering firsthand insights into daily challenges, progress achieved, and areas needing further improvement. Özcan underscored the critical role of social security and formalization, stating:“Social security is a right of every worker. Enrolment in the Social Security Fund is a legal obligation and a major step toward decent work.”

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Improving Safety, Formalization and Gender-Responsive Practices

Waste workers—particularly those employed via subcontractors—have historically lacked contracts, insurance, and protective equipment. The PRS Project has driven significant improvements, including:

1. New OSH Guidelines and Training

Practical OSH guidelines now outline safety procedures for waste collection and segregation, filling a long-standing regulatory gap.Five validation sessions have been completed for managerial and mid-level staff.

2. Violence and Harassment Prevention

SWMAN has adopted a Code of Conduct against violence and harassment, with distribution across all member companies.

3. PPE Distribution and Welfare Facilities

Nine companies have received Personal Protective Equipment, and many have created dedicated facilities supporting women workers, including breastfeeding spaces and safe sanitation.

4. Strengthened Employer Compliance

A major breakthrough has been increased enrolment of informal workers into the Social Security Fund (SSF).At Nepsemyak Sewa, 14 of 22 subcontracted waste segregators are now formally enrolled.

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Toward a More Formal and Equitable Waste Sector

ILO Nepal is working with SWMAN to ensure that all affiliated companies:

• Are formally registered

• Issue model employment contracts

• Improve coordination with subcontractors

• Engage in social dialogue to protect all workers, regardless of employment arrangement

The project has encouraged workers to adopt safer habits and raised awareness of their rights, while helping employers meet legal obligations and strengthen compliance.

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Gender-Responsive, Dignified and Inclusive Workplaces

With ILO support, SWMAN members have:

• Strengthened gender-responsive workplace standards

• Increased access to welfare and sanitation facilities

• Enhanced workers’ understanding of safety, health, and wellbeing

• Built cooperation between unions, employers, and local governments

The All Nepal Cleaning Workers Union (ANCWU) has also engaged closely with workers and management to support these positive changes.

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ILO Nepal’s Ongoing Commitment

The field visit reaffirms ILO Nepal’s dedication to improving the dignity, safety and rights of informal workers nationwide. Through strengthened cooperation, enhanced OSH practices, and steady progress toward formalization, the waste management sector is becoming safer, more inclusive, and better aligned with national labor laws.

ILO Nepal aims to ensure that every worker—whether directly hired or subcontracted—enjoys fundamental rights, social protection, and a workplace free of hazards and discrimination.