Unrecognised informal solid waste recycling in an emerging African megacity: a study of Johannesburg, South Africa

Informal solid waste recycling has increasingly become part of the urban landscape in many South African cities and towns. In the city of Johannesburg, for example, informal solid waste pickers are now playing an important role in the recycling of different types of waste. There is evidence in literature which suggests that these activities have both economic and environmental benefits contributing towards employment creation and environmental sustainability. Despite the role that the informal sector contributes to waste management and socioeconomic development, as well as environmental sustainability, the urban development and planning policy in South Africa have not embraced and integrated these activities in the policy framework. Drawing from a field-based study, conducted in selected parts of the city of Johannesburg, and using methods inspired by the traditional of participatory research, this paper explores the institutional framework within which informal solid waste management can be pursued. The paper is specifically interested in identifying and discussing contemporary challenges, mechanisms, systems and processes that may contribute towards the sustained neglect of the informal sector in the urban solid waste management and planning policy.