Integration of the Informal Sector in Solid Waste Management

OPEN FOR ALL

Rapid urbanisation and population growth in developing economies have led to generation of huge quantities of waste. While urban local bodies are formally engaged in providing waste management services, collection and recycling functions are not effectively executed in many parts of the world, primarily due to a lack of legal guidance, low sectoral development and lack of know-how about sustainable waste management businesses.

As a result, waste collection and material recycling activities are being largely performed by the informal sector. In fact, the reason many countries have not been swamped by their own waste is this workforce. Apparently unorganised, the informal sector is a super-efficient contributor to the cause of circular economy. Unfortunately, not much is being done to integrate this sector and its operations into mainstream solid waste management systems.

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) believes such an integration is necessary to achieve a paradigm shift in waste management – this Online Practitioner’s Knowledge Building Lecture is based on this conviction. The objective is to provide information on the role of the informal sector in the waste value chain; the stakeholders involved in informal waste recycling; and different approaches and strategies for integration.

For more details

Richa Singh
Deputy Programme Manager
Municipal Solid Waste Management Programme,
Centre for Science and Environment
Email: richa.singh@cseindia.org
Mobile: +91 9920658638