Consultation Questionnaire: Methane Reduction and Waste Pickers: Challenges and Opportunities for the Protection of ESCER in the Context of Climate Emergency

The Office of the Special Rapporteur on Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights (REDESCA) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) will prepare a report that will address the relationship between the reduction of methane emissions from the waste sector and the protection of the ESCER of waste pickers in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This report aims to analyze the crucial role of waste pickers, who, by diverting waste from open dumps, avoid methane generation in stagnant waters and anaerobic conditions caused by uncollected waste, contributing significantly to the mitigation of emissions from deficient or non-existent waste management systems. In particular, the collection and reinsertion into the productive recycling chain of waste such as paper, cardboard, textiles and wood contribute directly to the reduction of methane emissions. Therefore, the report will address the reduction of methane emissions as a global climate priority due to its high potential to contribute to global warming, as well as the responsibility of companies in waste generation and management. Based on these findings, the report will seek to develop specific inter-American standards and recommendations to guide the formulation of inclusive public policies for methane reduction and the transition to sustainable models of formal waste management. This will include the integration of waste pickers into recycling systems, circular economy and Extended Producer Responsibility schemes, guaranteeing the comprehensive protection of their rights. In addition, emphasis will be placed on the environmental and climate impact of these policies to strengthen their role in the fight against climate change and environmental protection.

In this framework, REDESCA invites member states, international organizations, civil society organizations, national human rights institutions, academic institutions, human rights defenders, as well as experts to submit their observations on the following topics.

Deadline to respond: July 15, 2025 until 23:59 EST. The deadline has been extended to August 15, 2025.

Send responses to: [email protected], and include in the subject line of the e-mail: "Consultation Questionnaire - Methane Reduction and Waste pickers".