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Scavenging for freedom : an analysis of how participatory approaches can enhance the capabilities of waste pickers in Colombia and Argentina

Castro Perez, Jorge LU (2012) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science MESM01 20121
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
The recycling sector and the solid waste management systems (SWMS) in developing countries greatly rely on scavengers, a vulnerable and marginal urban population that recover items or materials to be reused or recycled. As a new mindset towards waste emerges, considering it a resource instead of something useless and undesirable; governments, NGOs, private companies and other stakeholders slowly realise that integrating the waste pickers into the SWMS can bring environmental and social benefits to all. This thesis provides an overview of the situation for scavengers in South America, one of the most dynamic regions in the matter, and goes deeper into the contexts of Colombia and Argentina, assessing the current initiatives through the lens... (More)
The recycling sector and the solid waste management systems (SWMS) in developing countries greatly rely on scavengers, a vulnerable and marginal urban population that recover items or materials to be reused or recycled. As a new mindset towards waste emerges, considering it a resource instead of something useless and undesirable; governments, NGOs, private companies and other stakeholders slowly realise that integrating the waste pickers into the SWMS can bring environmental and social benefits to all. This thesis provides an overview of the situation for scavengers in South America, one of the most dynamic regions in the matter, and goes deeper into the contexts of Colombia and Argentina, assessing the current initiatives through the lens of the Human Development perspective. The research was elaborated with the collaboration of a packaging company called Tetra Pak, as they intend to become active stakeholders in the subject. An extensive literature review and interviews to some of the most active actors in the region were conducted. The research shows that the Colombian situation is more advanced in integrating the scavengers into the SWMS than Argentina, and both cases reflect that working in building social capital and creating open spaces where all sectors involved can discuss, be aware of each other’s needs and interests, and agree on common goals and new directions is a fundamental starting step to make a positive impact on the issue. (Less)
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author
Castro Perez, Jorge LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM01 20121
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
scavenging, participatory approaches, communicative action, inclusive recycling, human development, sustainability science
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
report number
2012:004
language
English
id
2759929
date added to LUP
2012-11-19 11:14:32
date last changed
2012-11-26 10:20:30
@misc{2759929,
  abstract     = {{The recycling sector and the solid waste management systems (SWMS) in developing countries greatly rely on scavengers, a vulnerable and marginal urban population that recover items or materials to be reused or recycled. As a new mindset towards waste emerges, considering it a resource instead of something useless and undesirable; governments, NGOs, private companies and other stakeholders slowly realise that integrating the waste pickers into the SWMS can bring environmental and social benefits to all. This thesis provides an overview of the situation for scavengers in South America, one of the most dynamic regions in the matter, and goes deeper into the contexts of Colombia and Argentina, assessing the current initiatives through the lens of the Human Development perspective. The research was elaborated with the collaboration of a packaging company called Tetra Pak, as they intend to become active stakeholders in the subject. An extensive literature review and interviews to some of the most active actors in the region were conducted. The research shows that the Colombian situation is more advanced in integrating the scavengers into the SWMS than Argentina, and both cases reflect that working in building social capital and creating open spaces where all sectors involved can discuss, be aware of each other’s needs and interests, and agree on common goals and new directions is a fundamental starting step to make a positive impact on the issue.}},
  author       = {{Castro Perez, Jorge}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science}},
  title        = {{Scavenging for freedom : an analysis of how participatory approaches can enhance the capabilities of waste pickers in Colombia and Argentina}},
  year         = {{2012}},
}