A coronavirus time bomb waiting to explode: India’s 4 million waste pickers
- India’s waste is handled by millions of formal and informal garbage collectors, many of whom work without protective equipment
- As the number of Covid-19 patients rises, so does the potentially tainted trash they generate, which is often not marked as hazardous

Ashok, a garbage collector who goes by only one name, jumps out and rings the doorbells of each house. Some people bring out their trash and hand it to him, while others stand on their balconies and throw it directly into the truck.
This is the first month he has been given gloves and a mask to wear. He used to be accompanied by a colleague, but since the lockdown began, he comes alone.
Ashok is worried and fears for his health while doing his rounds. But he has to eat, and so he must work.
India’s waste is handled by between 1.5 and 4 million informal garbage collectors and state employees, many of whom go door-to-door to collect trash from residential neighbourhoods, commercial enterprises, and hospitals. They often work without any protective gear.