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The generation of solid waste has been increase tremendously and it has been identified as one factor that contribute to the world's environmental problem. Waste pickers has been known for providing solid waste collection in various cities around the world and make an important economic contribution in reducing the burden of waste management. They are the informal workers in the solid waste sector that achieved higher recycling waste than the formal recycling system in many cities of the developing world. This paper aims to analyze the categories of waste pickers and their role in contributing to sustainable solid waste management and examine the challenges faced by these waste pickers. In this paper, a review was carried out to characterize and critically analyze the published literature on waste pickers in terms of their characteristics, contributions and challenges. The analysis of this paper proposed for re-thinking of solid waste management systems by integrating waste pickers into formal waste management program for more inclusive and sustainable solid waste management. Waste pickers have been fighting for their activities to be supported and recognized as an occupation as well as improving their working condition. The formation of waste picker cooperative might end their discrimination and exploitation. Therefore, it is about time for the local authorities, private sector, non-governmental organization as well as business operators to support and recognize the contributions made by these waste pickers which can result in sustainable development, poverty alleviation and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]