Abstract
This paper contrasts two different approaches to community participation in developing more effective solid waste collection and management, illustrated by case studies from Bamako (where community participation was the objective) and Bangalore (where community participation was an instrument). A close look reveals that the two projects applied different methods despite using the same terminology. The achievements and problems faced by both case studies are discussed, along with a general discussion of how community-based schemes can contribute to more effective municipal solid waste management systems. It stresses how case studies can bring important general lessons but, for any city, these need to be applied within a strong understanding of local context.