About SoCo
Waste pickers perform a critical role in recovering resources from waste and delivering a circular economy in developing countries.
Their activities provide employment and livelihood for large numbers of marginalized people, whilst recycling rates that result from their work are sometimes comparable to developed countries.
However, despite clear benefits , it is not common for waste pickers to be formally included in the delivery of solid waste management services.
The SoCo Project is developing a methodological tool and training package to more objectively quantify and elaborate potential impacts and benefits of selective waste collection and recycling services, including those operated by waste pickers. This methodology is packaged in an easy-to-use spreadsheet tool.