Publication: The Informal recycling Sector in Developing Countries : Organizing Waste Pickers to Enhance their Impact
Date
2008-10
ISSN
Published
2008-10
Author(s)
Medina, Martin
Abstract
For the urban poor in developing
countries, informal waste recycling is a common way to earn
income. There are few reliable estimates of the number of
people engaged in waste picking or of its economic and
environmental impact. Yet studies suggest that when
organized and supported, waste picking can spur grassroots
investment by poor people, create jobs, reduce poverty, save
municipalities money, improve industrial competitiveness,
conserve natural resources, and protect the environment.
Three models have been used to organize waste pickers: micro
enterprises, cooperatives, and public-private partnerships.
These can lead to more efficient recycling and more
effective poverty reduction.
Citation
“Medina, Martin. 2008. The Informal recycling Sector in Developing Countries : Organizing Waste Pickers to Enhance their Impact. Gridlines; No. 44. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/10586 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”