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Enhancing Circular Economic Activities of e‐Waste Pickers in South Africa: Using Korten's Four Generations Strategies as Framework

Author

Listed:
  • Takunda Y. Chitaka
  • Catherina Schenck
  • Jochen Petersen

Abstract

E‐waste pickers play a valuable role in the circular economy and divert waste from landfills. Despite their contributions to the economy, informal e‐waste pickers work in very adverse conditions. With a view to improving their livelihoods and working conditions and possibly increasing their integration, Korten's four generations framework is used as theoretical lens. A total of 814 surveys were completed across South Africa. The main findings highlight the collecting, dismantling and sorting and pre‐processing activities. The main motivation for the individual participants to move beyond collection was monetary: the more processed the goods, the higher the price. Despite exposing themselves to hazardous practices during pre‐processing, the majority of respondents were still earning below the minimum wage level. Korten's four generations of strategies are found to provide valuable guidance on how to think and act when supporting e‐waste pickers towards increased integration in the waste systems and the circular economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Takunda Y. Chitaka & Catherina Schenck & Jochen Petersen, 2025. "Enhancing Circular Economic Activities of e‐Waste Pickers in South Africa: Using Korten's Four Generations Strategies as Framework," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(5), pages 7603-7616, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:33:y:2025:i:5:p:7603-7616
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.3532
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Derek Yu, 2012. "Defining and measuring informal employment in South Africa," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(1), pages 157-175, March.
    2. Catherina J. Schenck & Phillip F. Blaauw & Jacoba M.M. Viljoen, 2016. "The socio-economic differences between landfill and street waste pickers in the Free State province of South Africa," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(4), pages 532-547, July.
    3. Ibrahim Issah & John Arko-Mensah & Thomas P. Agyekum & Duah Dwomoh & Julius N. Fobil, 2022. "Health Risks Associated with Informal Electronic Waste Recycling in Africa: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-16, November.
    4. Juliana F. F. Amauchi & Maeva Gauthier & Abdolzaher Ghezeljeh & Leandro L. L. Giatti & Katlyn Keats & Dare Sholanke & Danae Zachari & Jutta Gutberlet, 2022. "The power of community-based participatory research: Ethical and effective ways of researching," Community Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 53(1), pages 3-20, January.
    5. Catherina J Schenck & Phillip F Blaauw & Jacoba MM Viljoen & Elizabeth C Swart, 2019. "Exploring the Potential Health Risks Faced by Waste Pickers on Landfills in South Africa: A Socio-Ecological Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-21, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Alejandro Gallego-Schmid & Ricardo Rebolledo-Leiva & Leonardo Vásquez-Ibarra & Alvaro Elorrieta-Mendoza & Denisse Milagros Paredes Cotohuanca & Claudia E. Henninger & Ana Belén Guerrero, 2026. "Circular Economy Transition in an Emerging Economy: Current Status and Priorities in Peru," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 6(2), pages 1-33, April.

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