Beyond the bin: lived experiences of mental health and psychological resilience among urban waste pickers in India

Purpose Informal waste pickers are socially marginalised, have occupational risks and lack socioeconomic security, which can affect their mental health and ability to deal with challenges. The purpose of this study is to investigate the experiences of psychological distress and coping and resilience among waste pickers in three urban centres of Maharashtra in India (Nagpur, Bhandara, Gondia). The study does not attempt to estimate the prevalence of mental disorders but rather participants’ descriptions of emotional well-being in the context of their occupational, economic and social situation. Design/methodology/approach Supplementary descriptive quantitative analysis contextualised the qualitative findings. Thirty participants (25 males and 5 females) whose principal occupation was waste picking. The study used purposive sampling. They conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews in Hindi and Marathi between August and October 2024. Qualitative data were analysed through reflexive thematic analysis as outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006, 2021, 2022). Findings Supplementary quantitative analysis showed significant variation in self-reported mental distress across income groups (F (2,27) = 35.71, p < 0.001), with higher distress among lower-income participants. Five themes emerged: emotional distress; financial struggles; social isolation and stigma; aspiration for change; and coping mechanisms. Originality/value The study contributes contextual evidence on how economic insecurity, occupational stigma and social exclusion are experienced together by waste pickers in three urban centres of Maharashtra. The qualitative findings show how participants negotiate distress through aspirations, faith and informal social support, while the supplementary quantitative analysis indicates variation in self-reported distress across income groups. The findings provide a basis for more accessible, context-sensitive social, occupational and mental health support for informal waste workers.