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Research & Policy

Waste Livelihood Study

Understanding how waste sustains livelihoods — to strengthen them.

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Waste workers whose livelihoods depend on the waste economy
What it is

A livelihood study examines how communities and workers earn from waste — incomes, dependencies, gender dynamics and risks — to design programmes that improve livelihoods rather than disrupt them.

Why it matters
  • Waste sustains millions of vulnerable livelihoods
  • Interventions can harm if they ignore this
  • It grounds livelihood programmes in reality
Livelihoods, not just labour

Strengthen the livelihoods waste sustains

A livelihood study examines how vulnerable workers earn from waste — incomes, dependencies, gender and risk — so programmes strengthen those livelihoods rather than disrupt them.

UnderstandWho earns from wasteIncomes, dependencies, households
ExamineWhat threatens itHealth risks and gender inequity
ActStrengthen, don’t disruptProgrammes that protect livelihoods
How we do it

A clear, practical approach

01Livelihood mapping

Who earns how, and their dependencies.

02Risk & gender lens

Vulnerabilities and gender dynamics.

03Recommendations

Livelihood-strengthening design.

Proof on the ground

Related work we've delivered

Real projects behind our research & policy — named partners, measured outcomes.

Research

Single-Use Plastics Value-Chain Assessment

2 cities in Maharashtra & 2 cities in Tamil Nadu

4Cities studied (2 Maharashtra + 2 Tamil Nadu)
Read the case study →
Composting

Turning Waste Into Wealth — City Compost Business Models for ULBs

Ballarpur · Erandol · Badlapur · Karad, Maharashtra

245 MTProject compost demand fulfilled (April–June 2022)
Read the case study →
Research

Impact Evaluation of a Decentralized Solid Waste Management Project

16 Bulk Waste Generators across Mumbai & Pune

88%Segregation rate achieved at household level
Read the case study →
More in Research & Policy

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Plastic Value-Chain Study Following plastic from consumption to recovery — and where it leaks. Explore → Waste Market Assessment Sizing the demand, players and economics of a waste or recycled-material market. Explore → Waste Technology Assessment An independent read on whether a waste technology actually works, here. Explore → Informal-Sector Study Making visible the informal system that already recycles the city. Explore → Waste Policy Research Evidence and analysis to shape better waste rules and programmes. Explore → Knowledge Product & Case-Study Development Turning field experience into shareable, credible knowledge. Explore → All of Research & PolicySee the full research & policy service.→
FAQ

Waste Livelihood Study — quick answers

The essentials, then talk to us for your specifics.

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What is Waste Livelihood Study?
A livelihood study examines how communities and workers earn from waste — incomes, dependencies, gender dynamics and risks — to design programmes that improve livelihoods rather than disrupt them.
Who needs Waste Livelihood Study?
It's built for CSR & development orgs. Waste sustains millions of vulnerable livelihoods Interventions can harm if they ignore this
How does Social Lab deliver Waste Livelihood Study?
Livelihood mapping: Who earns how, and their dependencies. Risk & gender lens: Vulnerabilities and gender dynamics. Recommendations: Livelihood-strengthening design. You get: A livelihood analysis; A risk & gender assessment; Livelihood-strengthening recommendations.
Where to next

Explore the rest of our waste-circularity work — by service, by who you are, or by where you operate.

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Let’s talk

Need waste livelihood study?

Tell us where you are and we'll scope it — baseline to measured impact.

Book a consultation

Or call +91 95794 42142 · [email protected]