Emerging trends in informal sector recycling in developing and transition countries
Chukwunonye Ezeah1, Jak A Fazakerley, Clive L Roberts
1School of Applied Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, City Campus-South, Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK.
Waste Management (New York, N.Y.)
|July 27, 2013
Summary
Informal sector recycling (ISR) in developing countries offers economic and environmental benefits despite challenges. Integrating ISR into formal waste management systems requires social acceptance, political will, and flexible, context-specific approaches.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Waste Management
- Sociology
Background:
- Low waste collection rates (30-70%) in developing countries lead to environmental degradation and health risks.
- Uncollected waste provides resources for informal sector recyclers (waste pickers).
- Informal Sector Recycling (ISR) offers economic growth, litter control, and resource conservation benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review trends in Informal Sector Recycling (ISR) in developing and transition countries.
- To explore the integration of ISR into formal waste management systems.
- To identify key factors for successful ISR integration.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Informal Sector Recycling (ISR) trends.
- Analysis of challenges faced by ISR (hostile environments, negative attitudes).
- Identification of critical aspects for ISR integration.
Main Results:
- ISR operates in difficult conditions due to negative societal and governmental attitudes.
- ISR is a vital component for sustainable waste management in developing nations.
- Six crucial aspects for ISR integration: social acceptance, political will, cooperatives, private partnerships, skills, and legal protection.
Conclusions:
- ISR should be recognized and integrated into formal waste management systems.
- Integration strategies must be flexible and context-specific, not universal.
- Addressing social acceptance and political will is key for successful ISR inclusion.
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