The informal recycling sector plays a pivotal role in delivering waste management services worldwide, particularly in countries where formal waste management systems are poorly organized or non-existent. However, its contribution to the circular economy remains poorly understood due to challenges associated with data collection.
GRID-Arendal, in collaboration with the University of Leeds (UoL), is conducting a project aimed at quantifying the contribution of the informal waste sector to preventing plastic pollution. Our goal is to develop and test a methodology for collecting data on the informal waste sector's productivity that is both scientifically robust and applicable across diverse global contexts.

This paper summarizes our work. It seeks to highlight the critical role of informal waste workers and to inform policymakers about the importance of accurate and defensible enumeration and quantification of the informal waste sector’s activities, prevalence, and productivity.

GRID-Arendal's Role in producing this publication

GRID-Arendal co-authored this publication in collaboration with the University of Leeds. In addition, GRID-Arendal took responsibility for designing, laying out, and publishing the report, ensuring that the final product effectively communicates key insights and findings.

Tags: plastic waste waste waste management informal waste sector