top of page

Building a Circular Plastics Economy with Informal Waste Pickers: Recyclate Quality, Business Model, and Societal Impacts

Year of Publication

2020

This case study presents a solution for companies to effectively partner with the informal recycling sector.

Source:

Resources, Conservation and Recycling

Author(s):

MarkusGalla

Erik G.Hansenb, MelanieWiener, Cintia, Chagas de Oliveiraa, and Reinhold W.Langa

Geography:

Global, Kenya

Type:

Case Study

Purpose of Measurement:

Solution Sets and Impact Potential, Monitoring and Evaluation

Impact theme(s):

Material Flows, Oceans, Capital Flows

This case study presents a solution for companies to effectively partner with the informal recycling sector. The case study focuses on a for-profit company, Mr. Green Africa (Nairobi, Kenya), that sources plastic from local waste pickers through a similar business model to fair-trade. The study concludes that high-quality mechanical recycling of plastic waste under informal conditions is feasible and provides socio-economic benefits when set up with suitable modes of cooperation.

bottom of page