Challenges and characteristics of the informal waste sector in developing countries: an overview

This study discusses the positive and negative characteristics of and challenges faced by the informal waste sector in developing countries. We conducted a literature review from 2012 to 2022 to examine informal waste-related work and living conditions. We used PRISMA, qualitative content analysis, and article synthesis. Based on PRISMA results, ninety-two eligible articles were reviewed. Qualitative content analysis identified four research clusters: collecting recyclable waste in the informal waste sector, the working conditions of informal waste workers, integrating the informal waste sector into the waste management system, and barriers to formalizing the informal waste sector in middle-income countries. Meanwhile, research trends during the period 2012–2016 show that research on informal waste management was conducted to determine the role or position of informal recycling systems in the waste management system. Later (during 2017–2018), researchers shifted their focus to formalizing the informal waste sector and its implications and risks. The current study (2019–2020) focuses on plastic waste or waste recyclables, their economic contributions, and identifying hazards in the informal waste sector. The terms frequently appearing in the qualitative content analysis describe four main factors directly related to the informal waste sector: health, social, regulatory, and economic. The synthesis results revealed the following characteristics in the informal waste sector: organizational cooperation, purchasing and selling transactions, and processing. By understanding these characteristics, authorities can support the informal waste sector appropriately. This overview provides recommendations for effective waste management planning in developing countries and for improving the conditions of the informal waste sector.