Title: Impacts of health and economic costs on street children working as waste collectors in Dhaka City

Authors: Md. Mahmudul Alam; Mohammad Saeed Hossain; Nurul Islam; Md Wahid Murad; Niaz Ahmed Khan

Addresses: School of Economics, Finance and Banking, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010UUM Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia ' Department of Economics, East West University, A/2, Jahurul Islam Avenue, Jahurul Islam City, Aftabnagar, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh ' Delta Medical College and Hospital, 26/2, Principal Abul Kashem Road, Mirpur-1, Dhaka-1216, Bangladesh ' UniSA College, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia ' Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh

Abstract: This research investigates the health impacts and access to health services by children who are engaged in waste collection in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. The relevant qualitative data were collected through expert interviews and personal observations, while quantitative data were gathered through a face-to-face questionnaire survey given to 50 street children who collected waste at the landfill site located in Dhaka City's Matuail area. The results indicate that 94% of these children have suffered from many health problems, such as fever and fatigue due to tiredness, dizziness, and vomiting. Consequently, a significant portion of their daily income is spent on medical treatment. This study suggests that the waste collection system must integrate modern technological, health and environmental resources so that: firstly, they do not harm waste collectors; and secondly, rehabilitate the street children and give them better access to acceptable basic amenities. This is a priority the city authorities.

Keywords: street children; landfill; waste collection; waste management; health services; health cost; Dhaka City.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2021.112666

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2021 Vol.20 No.1, pp.29 - 50

Received: 23 Apr 2019
Accepted: 08 Oct 2019

Published online: 26 Jan 2021 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article