Co-operation and the urban environment: An exploration

Many urban environmental problems (such as littering of streets) arise from the open access character of the resource concerned and can be analysed in the framework of co-operation. Studies in the context of rural commons have indicated that though seeming to be violating a narrow definition of rationality, people do cooperate. This paper attempts to explore some issues in the context of the urban environment, focusing on solid waste management in Madras, India, and a co-operation based institution called Exnora. A number of hypotheses on the conditions affecting co-operation are examined. While group size may, be relevant for costs, it does not have any impact on co-operation. The management style of committees and economies of scope seem to be important.