Embracing waste as a resource: insights from the informal sector

摘要

Purpose - This article aims to draw insight from a variety of management disciplines to encourage a broader view of the economy as it relates to sustainable waste management (SWM) development. Design/methodology/approach - The paper presents a framework to describe how strengths can be blended to support environmental sustainability (ES), highlighting the need for community cooperation between the informal and formal sectors of the economy. Findings - Unique contributions for SWM can emerge from both economic sectors and, when leveraged, may drive community development within local municipalities. Practical implications - The platform addresses the need for more flexible governmental policies that encourage waste management activities among formal and informal workers. Originality/value - The paper brings forward typically disregarded ES waste management opportunities that reside within the informal sector, an often overlooked aspect of the broader economy.