Bringing informal waste pickers into the waste value chain

India faces a formidable challenge in managing its ever-growing municipal solid waste. The informal sector -- comprising a large, often overlooked workforce of waste pickers – has always played a crucial role in collecting and recycling a significant share of this waste, thus easing the burden on overflowing dumpsites and delivering substantial cost savings for municipal bodies. 

Recognisingthe importance of this sector, the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 mandated urban development departments of states and Union territories to develop a state policy and strategy to create pathways for integration of the informal sector in the waste value chain. Despite this, progress on the ground has been apathetic, with only limited efforts towards meaningful inclusion. 

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)’s new study report on the subject unfolds the landscape and exploresvarious working models in India, aiming to uncover the rationale, viability, effectiveness and replicability of these approaches. It also assessesthe complex debate surrounding the integration as against formalisation of informal waste pickers. 

CSE is convening a National Symposiumto formally release this report and discuss and catalyse the future course of action. The Symposium is expected bring together representatives from the informal waste pickers’ community, officials from urban local bodies, and experts from academia, civil society, and research institutions. 

What the Symposium will cover

• The current landscape of informal waste-picking sector in India
• Formalisation or integration?
• Approaches adopted by ULBs, and whether they are working and replicable
• Ensuring a just transition for waste pickers
• Policy reforms needed to foster meaningful inclusion 

For further details, contact:

Mou Sengupta
Programme Manager
Solid Waste Management and Circular Economy Unit
Email: mou.sengupta@cseindia.org
Mobile: +91 9836448262

Shrotik Bose
Research Associate
Solid Waste Management and Circular Economy Unit
Email: shrotik.bose@cseindia.org
Mobile: +91 9614489145