In the bustling streets of Bengaluru, waste collectors serve as the unsung heroes who keep the city clean. Yet behind their dedicated service lies a heartbreaking reality of silent suffering, where unpaid wages, mounting debts, and severe financial strain have become their everyday struggle. Harikumar, a waste collector in the city, works tirelessly to support his family of seven. Yet, despite his constant toil, his employer has failed to pay him for the past four months, forcing him to borrow money and sell his auto to cover emergency medical expenses for his wife. “We can’t afford basic things like toys for our children,” he shares, his voice filled with a quiet despair.
This harsh reality extends to many workers in Bengaluru, with families living on the edge of survival. Peddamma, Harikumar’s mother, works as a housekeeper for a college, earning just ₹8,000 a month—most of which goes towards rent and basic utilities. She explains how the family constantly borrows money just to feed the children. “Every month, we have to beg for help. The burden has become unbearable,” she says. These workers, who serve millions every day, continue to be left behind by the very systems meant to support them.
The root of the problem lies in the flawed system set up by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The waste collection contracts, given to private contractors, often lead to delays in wage payments to workers. Contractors are supposed to pay salaries monthly, but instead, they often pay them quarterly or even after several months, leaving workers struggling to make ends meet. The situation is exacerbated by the contractors’ refusal to meet the minimum wage requirements, which further widens the income gap. According to trade union leaders, the average pay for a waste collector is well below the legally mandated ₹18,000, with many workers earning between ₹7,000 and ₹15,000 a month.
From a sustainability angle, this issue highlights the challenges of balancing urban development with social responsibility. Waste management is a critical service in cities, and the welfare of those who perform this essential task must be addressed for a truly sustainable urban future. Ensuring fair wages, timely payments, and improved working conditions for waste collectors can create a more equitable and sustainable ecosystem for the city. However, until the BBMP commits to a more robust system, waste collectors in Bengaluru will continue to suffer in silence, bearing the weight of the city’s growth while remaining invisible to the rest of the society.
