Gendered environmental injustice in informal recycling systems: health vulnerability among women waste pickers

Introduction Informal waste pickers play a vital, yet often unrecognized, role in urban recycling systems, contributing significantly to waste recovery and environmental sustainability. Although women waste pickers perform critical environmental functions, they face various occupational and social vulnerabilities. Women waste pickers in the informal recycling sector experience various health vulnerabilities shaped by occupational exposure, social exclusion, and limited access to welfare support. This study advances existing research by providing an integrated empirical analysis of the occupational, social, and institutional determinants of health vulnerability among women waste pickers. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 427 women waste pickers engaged in informal recycling activities in Tamil Nadu, India. Data on occupational exposure, social exclusion, social welfare support, and perceived health vulnerability were collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample. Ordinal logistic regression was performed to examine the levels of health vulnerability and identify associated factors. Results The findings revealed that occupational exposure was significantly associated with a greater likelihood of experiencing higher health vulnerability. Women who reported more contact with hazardous waste were significantly associated, indicating that social marginalization and limited access to social resources are linked to higher reported health risks among waste pickers. In contrast, welfare support was associated with lower levels of severe health vulnerability. The findings suggest that health outcomes are associated with interconnected environmental, social, and institutional conditions in informal waste economies. Discussion This study underscores the gendered nature of environmental injustice in informal recycling systems. Addressing the health vulnerability of women waste pickers requires integrated policy interventions that combine measures for occupational safety, social protection programs, and inclusive waste governance that promote worker wellbeing and sustainable urban waste management.