Kampala, Uganda’s capital, generates about 80 tons of plastic waste daily. However, only 40–50% of this waste is formally collected and transported to Kiteezi landfill. The remainder is largely managed by informal waste pickers, highlighting their vital role in urban waste management. Despite this contribution, these waste pickers operate under precarious conditions that undermine their health, safety, and livelihoods.

This Needs Assessment for Informal Waste Pickers was conducted to examine their working conditions and identify opportunities for their integration into formal waste management systems. The specific objectives were: (1) to identify key opportunities to strengthen the operations of informal waste pickers, (2) to assess the major challenges they face, and (3) to co-develop practical solutions with them.

The findings of this report provide an evidence base for designing interventions that will support the integration of informal waste pickers into Kampala’s waste management system, thereby advancing environmental sustainability and social inclusion.