The Gendered Dimensions of Open Waste Burning

The Gendered Dimensions of Open Waste Burning

Open waste burning (OWB) is a prevalent waste management practice across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and a significant contributor to climate change. Experts estimate that between 40% to 65% of municipal solid waste in LMICs is openly burned, causing air, land, and water pollution and posing grave risks to human health. Nevertheless, research on OWB is limited and analysis of the gendered dimensions of the practice remains negligible. Addressing this gender-blind spot is critical to inform prevention efforts given the prevalence of OWB in household waste management and among the informal recycling sector – two domains wherein women play a significant role. In partnership with USAID’s Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) program and with funding from Engineering X, this paper by Delila Khaled aims to increase understanding and awareness at the nexus of gender and OWB to inform future research, programs, and policymaking.

This exploratory case study draws on formative research conducted by Clean Cities, Blue Ocean in Samaná Province, Dominican Republic, including household surveys, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and Trials of Improved Practices. Given the dearth of data on OWB in the DR and globally, expert interviews and a literature review were conducted to validate and expand on CCBO’s formative research. Findings revealed that while inadequate SWM services are a key driver of OWB, other socio-economic factors also contribute to and sometimes exacerbate this hazardous practice – including social values, cultural norms, environmental risks, and livelihoods. The burning of plastics, which is often co-mingled with household waste, was also identified as an overlooked area of concern for SWM planning and OWB research. Without a comprehensive understanding of OWB through a gender and social inclusion lens, efforts to end the practice will fall short of achieving the systemic improvements required.