Speaker Series 2025 #10 | Waste’s Invisible Workforce: From Informal to Inclusive 

Oct 2025

About the Session

The Speakers

Informal waste workers are often at the frontline of urban waste collection and recycling, yet their work is frequently undervalued and inadequately supported. Operating under challenging conditions with limited resources or recognition, these workers play a vital role in keeping cities clean and enabling circular economy practices. Strengthening their role can bring significant social, economic, and environmental benefits. 

Our next Cities on the Frontline webinar will explore the critical role of informal waste workers in urban waste management and how cities can recognize, support, and integrate their contributions. It will provide a platform to discuss challenges and opportunities in informal waste streams and strategies for inclusive city-level interventions. 

The session will also highlight tools such as the Harmonized Responsible Sourcing Framework developed by The Circulate Initiative, which guides cities on ethical and responsible waste practices.

Join us to gain insights into practical approaches for formalizing and recognizing informal waste workers, supporting transparency, accountability, and sustainability in municipal waste management systems. 


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