Formal and informal recovery of recyclables in Mexicali, Mexico: handling alternatives

• Published in: Resources, conservation and recycling Vol. 34; no. 4; pp. 273 - 288
• Main Authors: Ojeda-Benitez, Sara, Armijo-de-Vega, Carolina, Ramı́rez-Barreto, Ma.Elizabeth
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.03.2002; Oxford Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Formal and informal sector; Itinerant waste pickers; Pollution; Recoverable refuse; Recyclable waste; Solid waste management; Urban and domestic wastes; Waste pickers; Wastes; Central America; Mexico; America; Mexico, Mexicali; Recoverable refuse; Formal and informal sector; Waste pickers; Solid waste management; Recyclable waste; Itinerant waste pickers; Waste management; Solid waste; Upgrading; Sustainable development; Selective collection; Urban waste
• ISSN: 0921-3449; 1879-0658
• DOI: 10.1016/S0921-3449(01)00105-7

The purpose of this paper is to review the case of a Mexican municipality in this field and highlight and identify critical gaps to be addressed. The paper seeks to explore intersectorial partnerships as a means to achieve sustainable solid waste management systems. Its point of departure is that, the highest level of service and maximum benefit is gained when a municipality sees its solid waste management mandates and handicaps clearly, uses the strengths of the other actors. The four main types of actors considered in this paper are: the municipal government, the formal private (commercial) sector, and the informal sector, which, includes individuals, small entrepreneurs, and micro-enterprises already working with discarded materials or having the potential to do so. Community based organizations (CBOs), either idealistically motivated or working for their own welfare, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), usually in pursuit of their own idealistic goals are also a part of the informal sector.