Advancing the Integration of Informal Waste Pickers into Urban Waste Management Systems: Potentials and Limitations

Waste management remains one of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas. Improper handling and disposal of waste, especially hazardous materials, pose serious risks to public health and the environment, exacerbating problems in already inadequately planned urban settings. Despite the development of waste management strategies such as recycling and composting, the effectiveness of these approaches is limited without the inclusion of all key stakeholders. Informal waste pickers, especially in low- and middle-income countries, play a crucial yet underrecognized role in urban waste management by contributing significantly to waste collection, sorting, and recycling. In the Republic of Serbia, where the formal waste management system remains underdeveloped and lacks comprehensive legal and institutional frameworks, the informal sector is responsible for a substantial portion of secondary raw material recovery. However, this sector operates without legal status or systemic support. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the socio-economic position of secondary waste collectors in Serbia, drawing on empirical research conducted in 2024. Special attention is given to the perceptions of informal waste collectors regarding the opportunities and constraints related to their integration into the formal waste management system. The findings highlight the potential for enhancing efficiency and sustainability in urban waste management through the formal recognition and support of informal actors.