Slums are typically characterised by insecure land tenure, limited access to safe water, sanitation and housing and commonly perceived to bear significant societal, environmental and economic burdens.
A study titled ‘Advancing a slum — circular economy model for sustainability transition in cities of Global South’, explores circular economy (CE) practices within slums in various countries, including Mexico, South Africa, India, Brazil, Kenya, Bangladesh, and Angola.
The findings demonstrate that slum inhabitants in various areas engage in waste collection and sorting. In India’s largest slum, Dharavi, waste sorting and recycling account for a significant portion of waste recycling in Mumbai, with waste pickers playing a pivotal role in recycling and reusing materials, integral components of the circular economy and the creation of circular cities.
The research reveals that slum dwellers possess a deep understanding of circular economy practices and show a strong commitment to promoting circular waste design interventions. Slum dwellers with expertise in circular economy practices can serve as active rather than passive stakeholders, actively participating in initiatives to advance circular cities in developing nations.
