Skip to content
Man getting an injection from a doctor

Help waste workers out of poverty and into good health

The issue

Informal waste pickers and their communities in Africa face marginalisation, suffering and large-scale disadvantage. They often work in poor conditions that put their health at risk without being paid a fair wage for the important job they do.

What can we do about it?

Mr. Green Africa has found a solution that gives waste pickers a higher income and a recognised role in society. By offering fair and stable prices for the waste they collect, this helps to create pathways out of poverty for them.

The recyclable waste they collect is processed into valuable raw material and fed back into plastic manufacturers’ supply chains – enabling them to achieve their circular economy goals and creating a positive environmental impact.

Waste workers typically work in high-risk environments and have very limited access to healthcare, so the programme also provides comprehensive health checks by highly qualified clinical staff. You can help support a waste worker by donating the cost of a health check now.

Similar ways to take action (16 items)

More from Unilever

Multiple pink bottles of Wonder Wash lined up.

The success of Wonder Wash: our biggest Home Care launch

Unilever’s Wonder Wash innovation responds to the growing consumer trend for speed and convenience in laundry detergents. Read how advanced technology is behind its global roll-out and how social-first marketing is driving demand generation.

A yellow metal walkway runs through the centre of an array of solar panels on the roof of a Unilever building in India.

Unilever solar electricity deal powers renewable energy use in India

We’re partnering with our collaborative manufacturers in India to tackle climate change and increase renewable energy use. Learn how a joint power purchase agreement offers a new way to cut value chain emissions and achieve 25% cost savings on electricity.

A line-up of Unilever’s €1 billion Power Brands

What’s behind Unilever’s full-year results?

Our financial results for the full year 2024 show improved performance led by volume growth and gross margin expansion. Take a look at some of the brands, categories and innovations driving that momentum.

A Unilever refill machine, selling Dove, Lifebuoy and Sunsilk

Unilever is testing refill solutions to tackle plastic waste

Unilever is running refill pilot projects globally, seeking ways to reduce virgin plastic use and tackle plastic sachet waste. Learn how insights from three emerging markets are helping us understand the barriers to scaling reusable packaging models.

Back to top