On site training of waste pickers on Protoprint process in January
After establishing Protoprint unit 1 at Urali Devachi and streamlining the recycling processes, 10 waste pickers were trained at the Protoprint Unit 1, Urali Devachi in October 2023. Based on the feedback from this training we developed a training module to upskill the waste pickers in the technical aspects of recycling.
The training has been designed to be conducted at the recycling unit in the local language. It covers the technical aspects of the recycling process by providing a real time look at the step wise operations at the unit. The importance of this project and its implication on waste pickers with respect to the potential for employment and revenue generation, and the socioeconomic transformation by way of scaling the value chain is explained to the waste pickers at the beginning of the training. A key focus is laid on the work of the waste pickers by explaining to them, how their sorting methods impact the quality control and what are the types and/ or grades of plastic that are accepted for the recycling process.
These trainings are rolled out in batches of 10-20 waste pickers. This size was deemed ideal for an in-depth understanding and highest level of interaction.
Plastic sorting at the Protoprint unit 1
It is critical to understand whether the trainings really help the waste pickers to increase their knowledge on high value-added processing technologies. Assessment to gauge increased understanding of technical aspects of recycling by the waste pickers has been developed and is conducted at the end of each training session.
In the month of January, training was conducted at the Protoprint unit for a total of 9 waste pickers. The training has enabled the waste pickers in expanding their understanding about type 2 and type 5 plastic namely HDPE and PP and the recycling process. Furthermore, it cleared out misconceptions about the resin code symbols found on the HDPE and PP material.
Waste pickers identifying the plastic resin codes on the bottles
Plastic resin code for PP (Polypropylene) on the bottle
Ms. Usha Waghmare who was a part of the training said “I used to think that this is a recycling symbol, and the number indicated how many times that bottle was recycled. Today I learned that it specifies the type of plastic and is not a recycling symbol”. New avenues for working in the plastic waste recycling have been opened for them as a part of the Protoprint project which will not only enable socio economic upliftment but also skill development of the waste pickers.
Training of waste pickers on Protoprint Project
At the end of the training Ms. Sarika Gaikwad who works as a waste picker in the Wanawadi ward, expressed, “Initially, our responsibilities solely entailed waste collection, sorting, and forwarding it to our Scrap shop. However, with the introduction of the Protoprint project, we have taken the next step towards end-to-end management of waste. This transition brings us immense joy and pride as we’re now not just collectors but also recyclers of waste.”
Key Highlights :
1. On site training module developed for waste pickers
2.19 waste pickers trained in high value-added processing technologies and report improved technical knowledge