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Waste Pickers in Istanbul: on a Pathway towards Formalization? A qualitative case study exploring opportunities and challenges following the adoption of new regulations on waste picking and the possible role of cooperatives in a transition to formality

Karlsson, Therese LU (2025) MIDM19 20241
LUMID International Master programme in applied International Development and Management
Department of Human Geography
Abstract (Swedish)
Waste picking is a means of survival for thousands of individuals in Istanbul and together the city’s waste pickers make a substantial contribution to the recycling sector. However, they have struggled to gain recognition as recycling providers and have suffered from legislation criminalizing their source of livelihood. 2022 marks a shift where a new regulation was adopted, allowing waste pickers to apply for permission to work as independent waste collectors within their municipalities. This study seeks to gain an understanding of how this regulation has been received and applied in practice and what barriers to formalization that may be persistent. It also explores to what extent waste pickers in Istanbul have joined forces and been able... (More)
Waste picking is a means of survival for thousands of individuals in Istanbul and together the city’s waste pickers make a substantial contribution to the recycling sector. However, they have struggled to gain recognition as recycling providers and have suffered from legislation criminalizing their source of livelihood. 2022 marks a shift where a new regulation was adopted, allowing waste pickers to apply for permission to work as independent waste collectors within their municipalities. This study seeks to gain an understanding of how this regulation has been received and applied in practice and what barriers to formalization that may be persistent. It also explores to what extent waste pickers in Istanbul have joined forces and been able to organize. The findings draw on interviews conducted with key informants.The study reveals that the regulation has several components making it largely exclusionary by design and that it is perceived to offer limited benefits to those meeting its eligibility criteria. The findings also offer insights from a newly established cooperative in Istanbul, and discusses the potential of an alternative route with cooperatives as key players in advancing the working conditions of waste pickers. (Less)
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author
Karlsson, Therese LU
supervisor
organization
course
MIDM19 20241
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
waste pickers, formalization, recycling, cooperatives, Istanbul
language
English
id
9185396
date added to LUP
2025-04-07 15:20:50
date last changed
2025-04-07 15:20:50
@misc{9185396,
  abstract     = {{Waste picking is a means of survival for thousands of individuals in Istanbul and together the city’s waste pickers make a substantial contribution to the recycling sector. However, they have struggled to gain recognition as recycling providers and have suffered from legislation criminalizing their source of livelihood. 2022 marks a shift where a new regulation was adopted, allowing waste pickers to apply for permission to work as independent waste collectors within their municipalities. This study seeks to gain an understanding of how this regulation has been received and applied in practice and what barriers to formalization that may be persistent. It also explores to what extent waste pickers in Istanbul have joined forces and been able to organize. The findings draw on interviews conducted with key informants.The study reveals that the regulation has several components making it largely exclusionary by design and that it is perceived to offer limited benefits to those meeting its eligibility criteria. The findings also offer insights from a newly established cooperative in Istanbul, and discusses the potential of an alternative route with cooperatives as key players in advancing the working conditions of waste pickers.}},
  author       = {{Karlsson, Therese}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Waste Pickers in Istanbul: on a Pathway towards Formalization? A qualitative case study exploring opportunities and challenges following the adoption of new regulations on waste picking and the possible role of cooperatives in a transition to formality}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}