News
From Dumpsite to Dreams: A Remarkable Journey of a Plastic Waste Collector in Dandora Dumpsite, Nairobi
Nestled in the heart of Nairobi, amidst the bustling urban landscape and vibrant streets, lies a place often considered a wasteland – the Dandora dumpsite where Esther Amadi, a 37-year-old mother of seven and a plastics waste collector in Dandora dumpsite. For decades, the dumpsite has served as the final resting place for Nairobi's waste, particularly an abundance of plastics that choke the land and waterways. Yet, for Esther and others like her, this landfill is not just a source of despair; it's a place where they've discovered purpose and a means of survival.
Esther's life serves as a profound example of the indomitable human spirit, unfolding a journey of transformation and inspiration. Her residence, an iron sheet-walled house near the Dandora River, offers a view of the dumpsite's mountainous expanse.
Esther's day commences at dawn, as she along with numerous waste recyclers, descends upon the dumpsite. Armed with gloves and torn sacks, they sift through the trash mounds in search of valuable plastics. It's a grueling and hazardous task, with toxic fumes and the constant risk of being buried under shifting waste. However, for Esther, it's a lifeline.
"I do this not because I want to, but because I have to," Esther says, wiping sweat from her brow. She explains that her daily earnings of about Ksh300 from waste collection put food on the table and pay her children's school fees, though sometimes it's challenging and children stay away from school due to a lack of fees.
