A garbage collector in São Carlos, Brazil recalls sustaining a needle injury due to the unsafe disposal of syringes and sharp objects, raising concerns over the health risks faced by waste collectors.
In São Carlos, Brazil, the unsafe disposal of syringes, needles, and sharp objects poses significant health risks to garbage collectors. The situation has worsened due to the rising popularity of 'weight loss pens,' which use needles similar to insulin syringes, increasing the volume of hazardous waste. In 2025, there were 13 reported work accidents involving garbage collectors, eight of which were caused by needle punctures, and the trend continues with five incidents reported this year, four related to needles.
The waste collection company, São Carlos Ambiental, is actively monitoring the health of seven employees who have been affected by these incidents. The working conditions for these collectors are challenging, as they are required to physically navigate through piles of waste, often stretching up to 30 kilometers daily while wearing standard orange uniforms. Despite their experience, the danger remains as they often cannot identify hazardous materials among the regular waste they collect.
The report highlights the urgent need for better waste disposal practices and increased awareness about the risks that garbage collectors face due to unsafe discarding of sharp objects. Without proper intervention, the health of these essential workers continues to be compromised, calling for immediate actions to protect them from preventable injuries.
