4.1. Step I – Towards formalization of the informal recyclers
The first stage would be the identifcation of the clusters and to create groups within the cluster. This cluster should be formalized and the process requires the design of an institutional and financial set up to function as one business entity and obtaining authorization from the concerned authority for the collection of waste.
Then to create awareness among the group on the environmentally sound technologies, highlighting the need for safety in recycling operations to reduce the adverse effects on environment and health due to improper recycling activites. A system for collection and transportation using third party or involving muti-stakeholder system would be a viable solution. The mechanism of transfer of waste needs to be planned such that the material reaches in the shortest possible time and avoid any pilferage during handling and transit. It should also provide an insight into the economics of recycling using efficient technologies to maximize the recovery of materials from various waste streams. The optimization of the resources is required to obtain quality products in the process of integrating informal and formal recycling activities highlighting the need for saving time and energy in the operations should become an integral part of the system.
4.2. Step II – The integration process
The model for integration of activities between the formal and informal sectors taking the interests of both into account in a rational choice framework would require the following process for a mutual agreement and commitment to facilitate.
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Agreements or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between stakeholders
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Maintain enterpreneurship
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Identify activities of formalized informal sector
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Specify activities of formal sector
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Establish linkages & support system
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Dovetail activities of formalized informal & formal sectors
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between stakeholders the producers, the formalized informal sectors and the formal recyclers is essential to ensure commitment and the flow of material.
The major benefit to the formalized informal sectors would be the enterpreneurship and legalization of the activities carried out by them. Most important of all is that they become an integral part of the value chain of recycling activities.
The activities permissible for the formalized informal sector would depend upon the consents and authorization and the conditions laid there in by the State Pollution Control Boards or Committees. The review of the activities and the process of renewal of the consents and authorizations would provide a scope for upgradation and facilitation.
The large scale formal recylers would require to equip themselves to source material through the formalized informal sector and identify the enterprises to be associated with to ensure the supply of materials. In this process the MoU will be essential to build the mutual trust.
The producers, government, NGOs and other independent agencies could facilitate in establshing linkages between the formalized informal sector and formal sectors by providing support system for their functioning
The above steps would enable the dovetailing of the activities between formalized informal sector and the formal recyclers as explained through the model in the following paragraphs.
4.3. Step III –The model
The model shows that the integration would bring about a clear demarcation in the activities for the informal and formal recyclers (Fig. 2). The model recommends that the collection, segregation and primary dismantling of non-hazardous fractions of the waste should be focused in the informal sector. The collection of post consumer waste would be the responsibility of the informal sector and would facilitate to use their skills of reaching out and networking. The other higher order processes for shredding or homogenization of the samples and extaction of metals should be concentrated in the formal sector. The formal sector should access the Best Available Technologies (BAT) and adopt globally acceptable Best Practices in order to enhance the recycling activities in India to make India an important recycling hub in the global recycling market (Schluep et al., 2009).
Informal-formal Integration Model (source Raghupathy et al., 2010).
Fig. 2.
Informal-formal Integration Model (source Raghupathy et al., 2010).
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The model indicates that there would be mutual gains from the trade of material from the informal and formal sectors because of their comparative advantages. It also enhances the social welfare among the stakeholders due to the interaction between the formal and informal sector. The integration would result in reduced pollution, better resource management and creation of green jobs in the recycling sector. This integration of Informal and formal is applicable to any post consumer waste recycling activity.
5. Conclusions
Since most of the recycling activities in India and other developing nations are carried out in the informal sector, integration of the activities in the informal and formal sectors is essential to provide a sustainable system for the management and recycling of wastes in the developing economies. The dovetailing of the activities of the informal and formal sectors so as to achieve an optimal solution to recycling practices without compromising on the environment, health and safety is a mutually beneficial and economically viable proposition. The process of integration and involvement of the different stakeholders needs a convincing approach. In order to make the system effective it should be supported by the policies and regulations governing these activities.
References