MATERIAL FLOW ANALYSIS OF FORMAL AND INFORMAL HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING SYSTEMS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. CASE STUDIES FROM PERU

摘要

The informal sector plays an important role in waste management systems in developing countries. It is defined as the individuals (waste pickers) or groups that carry out various activities within the waste management system (collection, recycling, treatment and disposal). The informal sector focuses mainly on recycling and therefore contributes significantly to the recycling rate of many cities in developing and emerging countries. For example, in Lima and Callao (Peru), 31% of the total municipal waste is recycled by the informal sector, and the overall recycling rate is 31.4% (IPES, WASTE. 2006. City Report: Lima "Aspectos economicos del sector informal de los residuos solidos en Lima y Callao").