Designed by Waste Pickers, for Waste Pickers
“While sorting, I used to face many issues—needles would pierce my hands, and I got so many cuts. Now I am happy that with this PPE, I no longer get cuts. I want to thank the people who gave us this PPE.” – Mufidul Islam, Waste Sorter, Dry Waste Collection Centre
On August 20, a milestone in workplace safety and dignity for waste workers was celebrated with the launch of the Open-Source PPE Kit for Waste Pickers. For the first time, custom-designed protective gear has been created with and for waste pickers. This landmark achievement marks a breakthrough not only for Hasiru Dala and Foley Designs, but also for Saamuhika Shakti and every partner committed to advancing the inclusion and well-being of waste workers.
Curious how the PPE Kits came to life? We chatted with the people who designed them. Watch now!
Speaking at the launch, H. Bhimesh, Deputy General Manager, Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML), emphasized the importance of this step:
“Bengaluru doesn’t have a proper uniform for waste workers, and even the ones available today are not comfortable. This is the right time to launch these new designs.”
For Nalini Shekar, Co-founder and Executive Director of Hasiru Dala, the launch was a long-awaited dream:
“For far too long, waste workers have kept our cities clean without being seen or protected. [The day] was remarkable because we launched designs that are durable, comfortable, and convenient to wear—this is my dream come true.”
Design partner Michael Foley of Foley Designs noted the focus on human-centered innovation:
“This is not just about design experience; it is about the user experience. The first step is to create PPE that brings both convenience and comfort.”
Through this initiative, Saamuhika Shakti underscores its commitment to ensuring that waste pickers’ voices remain at the center of solutions that safeguard health, dignity, and inclusion. The Open-Source PPE Kit is more than protective gear—it sets a powerful precedent for inclusive design worldwide.
🎥 Also watch: Conversations from the field: Making PPE work for waste pickers
Designed by Waste Pickers, for Waste Pickers
“While sorting, I used to face many issues—needles would pierce my hands, and I got so many cuts. Now I am happy that with this PPE, I no longer get cuts. I want to thank the people who gave us this PPE.” – Mufidul Islam, Waste Sorter, Dry Waste Collection Centre
On August 20, a milestone in workplace safety and dignity for waste workers was celebrated with the launch of the Open-Source PPE Kit for Waste Pickers. For the first time, custom-designed protective gear has been created with and for waste pickers. This landmark achievement marks a breakthrough not only for Hasiru Dala and Foley Designs, but also for Saamuhika Shakti and every partner committed to advancing the inclusion and well-being of waste workers.
Curious how the PPE Kits came to life? We chatted with the people who designed them. Watch now!
Speaking at the launch, H. Bhimesh, Deputy General Manager, Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML), emphasized the importance of this step:
“Bengaluru doesn’t have a proper uniform for waste workers, and even the ones available today are not comfortable. This is the right time to launch these new designs.”
For Nalini Shekar, Co-founder and Executive Director of Hasiru Dala, the launch was a long-awaited dream:
“For far too long, waste workers have kept our cities clean without being seen or protected. [The day] was remarkable because we launched designs that are durable, comfortable, and convenient to wear—this is my dream come true.”
Design partner Michael Foley of Foley Designs noted the focus on human-centered innovation:
“This is not just about design experience; it is about the user experience. The first step is to create PPE that brings both convenience and comfort.”
Through this initiative, Saamuhika Shakti underscores its commitment to ensuring that waste pickers’ voices remain at the center of solutions that safeguard health, dignity, and inclusion. The Open-Source PPE Kit is more than protective gear—it sets a powerful precedent for inclusive design worldwide.
🎥 Also watch: Conversations from the field: Making PPE work for waste pickers
