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Proceedings of ICE, Waste and Resource Management

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ISSN (Print) 1747-6526 - ISSN (Online) 1747-6534
Published by ICE Publishing

[25 journals]

Integrated sustainable waste management in developing countries
- Abstract: This paper uses the lens of ‘integrated sustainable waste management’ to examine how cities in developing countries have been tackling their solid waste problems. The history of related concepts and terms is reviewed, and ISWM is clearly differentiated from integrated waste management, used mostly in the context of technological integration in developed countries. Instead, integrated sustainable waste management examines both the physical components (collection, disposal and recycling) and the governance aspects (inclusivity of users and service providers; financial sustainability; coherent, sound institutions underpinned by proactive policies). The data show that performance has improved significantly over the last 10 years. Levels of collection coverage and controlled disposal of 95% in middle-income and 50% in low-income cities are already commonplace. Recycling rates of 20–30% are achieved by the informal sector in many lower income countries, at no direct cost to the city – presenting a major opportunity for all key stakeholders if the persistent challenges can be resolved. The evidence suggests that efficient, effective and affordable systems are tailored to local needs and conditions, developed with direct involvement of service beneficiaries. Despite the remaining challenges, evidence of recent improvements suggests that sustainable solid waste and resources management is feasible for developing countries.
Role and size of informal sector in waste management – a review
- Abstract: The contribution of informal activities is per definition difficult to estimate as informal waste reclaimers have no inherent reason, obligations or simply not the capabilities to keep records. As ‘formal’ (official) performance data do not usually cover informal systems, official statistics (if even available) do not reflect the bigger picture of waste management in low-income countries. Data on informal sector waste management performance is important in policy-making and enforcement but also with respect to advocacy and visibility of informal systems. In many cases the informal workers are not recognised in having a key role in waste management systems and are running the risk of losing their livelihoods in modernisation processes. This paper aspires to bring together a large amount of research in this area and to compile research outcomes, mainly from the last decade, aimed at providing key parameters for initial appraisals in waste management planning or monitoring purposes. Key parameters include data on the size of the informal sector in different regions, amounts of materials collected daily, estimates of the contribution of informal work to recycling rates and data on livelihood aspects such as income and job creation potential.
Briefing: Waste management sustainability in low-income countries
- Abstract: The drivers and motivation to improve solid waste management systems in low-income countries are diverse. These may be environmental, social, political or related to income generation, depending on the stakeholders, their stakes and their relationships. To sustain solid waste systems, these different motivations need to be understood and incorporated into the planning for new systems. Often the proposed solution to an increasing waste problem is large-scale technology and its financial and technical sustainability will depend on the cost and the capacity to operate and maintain in the given context. Nevertheless waste collection and recycling provide a livelihood for millions of people in low-income countries. Therefore, they need to be considered as an integral part of the existing systems. Future planning activities must therefore include economic and social sustainability, in addition to the user’s acceptance and need to build carefully on existing strengths and knowledge of the informal systems.
Editorial
Determinants of resilience in community-led waste management
- Abstract: Self-help by individuals and local community groups in solid waste management is widespread in cities of the developing world as a coping strategy to overcome the lack of public services. This study identifies and analyses the driving forces, factors of sustainability, as well as internal and external factors that influence failure or success of solid waste community-based initiatives in India. The ability to reflect on the situation, to judge existing risks and to trust in the capability to master the risks of everyday life in interaction with other persons and organisations forms the framework of analysis, as a core of ‘social and individual resilience’. The concept of resilience is used, together with the sustainable livelihood framework, to analyse eight south Indian community-based solid waste schemes. The results clearly underline the importance of the human and social capital that an individual ‘instigator’ brings to an initiative and highlights the importance of a ‘champion’ in every successful initiative.
Social assessment of recycling systems – Peruvian case studies
- Abstract: Several formalisation approaches of informal recycling have been implemented in developing countries, aiming at its integration into formal recycling systems. These strategies are often implemented through the initiative of local recyclers and non-government organisations. The aim is to tackle not only the poor economic situation but also common social problems of the informal recycling sector, such as social rejection, lack of education and inappropriate health and working conditions. Nevertheless, the expected positive social impacts are not precisely assessed or measured. This paper aims to develop a methodological approach based on the social life cycle assessment methodology for the assessment of recycling systems in developing countries with implemented formalisation measures. A field study in three Peruvian cities shows the feasibility of applying this methodology for assessing recycling systems. The case studies displayed negative performances regarding the indicators of discrimination, recognised employment relationships, and fulfilment of social benefits, physical working conditions and access to education. Regarding freedom of association, psychological working conditions and social acceptance, the city with formalisation of (formerly informal) recyclers obtained better evaluations whereas the city without formalisation was better evaluated in terms of working time and minimum and fair wages.

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