Integration of waste pickers in waste management systems worldwide: A review of approaches and outcomes

Abstract

Waste pickers (WPs) are essential for the circular economy and sustainability, as they help cities and producers fulfil their responsibilities, promoting recycling. However, they are usually not recognised and remunerated, despite their integration being widely advocated in the literature. Still, research is needed to identify different integration formats, actors and results worldwide, which is the aim of this article. A systematic literature review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) was conducted, including journal articles and grey literature. Sixty-three documents were selected, of which 78% were about Latin America, and one unique case was from a high-income country, Canada. Integration interventions were divided into eight categories according to their characteristics: household selective collection and sorting programmes; payment for environmental services; relocation from dumpsites; extended producer responsibility systems; purchasing systems; services for the private sector; individual hiring and individual support. The results show few cases with payment for the service provided (39%) and focused on individuals instead of groups (11%). Although progress has been made, these initiatives can still be improved. This article defines the concept of WP integration and offers recommendations for enhancing outcomes. These results provide decision-makers with a range of strategies to be prepared for more inclusive waste management.