NYC Gazette

Senegal is home to the Mbeubeuss waste dump, a place of stark contrasts where waste pickers toil amongst mounds of garbage, turning discarded items into profit. This community of approximately 2,000 waste pickers faces an uncertain future as the Senegalese government seeks to transform the dump into a waste sorting center, jeopardizing their livelihoods.

In response to these challenges, waste pickers have united to advocate for their rights and employment. Their stories and struggles are the focus of an upcoming documentary titled "The Waste Commons," created by Rosalind Fredericks, an urban geographer who has delved into waste systems and infrastructure in Senegal. Fredericks sheds light on the importance of waste pickers' labor, stating, "A huge proportion of the global poor make a living through reclaiming and recycling, and yet they are often unseen and treated as disposable."

Through her documentary, Fredericks aims to challenge misconceptions and spark discussions on urban environmental justice. She hopes to change perceptions, emphasizing the dignity of waste pickers' work and the environmental value of recycling. Fredericks believes that policymakers should prioritize the economic well-being of marginalized communities, urging a shift towards inclusive and pro-poor environmental strategies.

Addressing the comparison between Mbeubeuss and sanitation practices in the U.S., Fredericks draws attention to the devaluation of waste workers globally. She highlights the need to recognize waste labor as essential and to combat patterns of disposability ingrained in society. Fredericks stresses the significance of acknowledging waste's role in power dynamics and advocating for a more sustainable approach to waste management.

As the documentary prepares for international screenings, including at the UN Plastics treaty negotiations, waste pickers from Dakar will have a platform to voice their demands for inclusion in future environmental policies. Fredericks envisions a world where waste pickers are respected for their expertise and contributions to environmental stewardship, urging policymakers to consider the implications of rendering certain populations disposable in the pursuit of economic gains.

The narrative of waste pickers at Mbeubeuss reflects broader issues of environmental sustainability and social justice, prompting viewers to rethink stereotypes and engage in conversations about urban development and waste management. Through "The Waste Commons," Rosalind Fredericks invites audiences to confront preconceived notions and advocate for a more equitable and environmentally conscious future.