Case studies
Because each city and town is unique, we cannot assume that an integration programme that works well in one place will be appropriate or work well in another. This is why the Guideline does not present models that can be copied and pasted into new contexts.
Here we share case studies of different approaches to integration that highlight why they were adopted, how they worked, and lessons learned. By providing real world examples, the case studies can spark ideas and discussions about what type of approach and programmes could be appropriate and relevant in your specific context.
The three main case studies are presented first. They focus on paying reclaimers to provide a separation at source collection service, the creation of innovative infrastructure to promote integration, and why landfill waste pickers chose to form a cooperative. The stories of these case studies are told through detailed written overviews, a poster, videos, reclaimer profiles, and photo essays to provide a holistic understanding of each case.
The three shorter case studies look at integrating landfill waste pickers, separation at source by a waste picker cooperative, and the importance of zoning regulations.
Additional resources:
Written Case Study – Separation at source by reclaimers -Johannesburg
Poster – Separation at source and Waste Pickers
Reclaimer profile – Ana Mabe – Organisational support and friendship
Reclaimer profile – Papi Spekhang – Fast Trolleys
Photo story – Living and working in Bekezela
Photo story – Living and working at Bekezela
Photo story – Living and working at Bekezela
This case study is on the Palmer Street Recycling Facility created by the eThekwini municipality and the NGO Asiye eTafuleni for women waste pickers in Durban. It shows how an NGO, municipality, and waste pickers can collaborate to create much needed infrastructure for street waste pickers.
Additional resources:
Written Case Study – Infrastructure for integration – eThekwini
Photo essay – Palmer street recycling facility
Reclaimer profile – Nthombizodwa Gcabashe – Working with others
Reclaimer profile – Sibongile Muthwa – Professionalizing reclaiming
Photo story – Selling on the streets in Durban
Reclaimer profile – Refiloe and Sfundo – Working on Durban Streets
Video – Palmer Street Recycling Facility – Infrastructure for Reclaimers
This case study focuses on cooperatives created by waste pickers at the Mangaung Landfill. It explores why they chose to form cooperatives, the ways this has benefitted them, the challenges they face, and their dreams for the future.
Additional resources:
Written Case Study – Mangaung landfill cooperatives – Mangaung
Photo essay – Northern landfill site
Reclaimer profile – Emily Mrabalalo – Women working for their families
Reclaimer profile – Francelina Lekeno – A roof over her head
Reclaimer profile – Lefa Mononga – A natural leader
Reclaimer profile – Samual Motshwadi – Supporting a family
Reclaimer profile – Solomon Mafabatho – Getting the copper
These short case studies look at four different efforts to integrate landfill waste pickers, identifying both successes and problems to watch out for.
Additional resources:
Reclaimers & Reclaiming – A typical day of a landfill reclaimer
Reclaimers & Reclaiming – Separation at source and landfill reclaimers
Reclaimers & Reclaiming – Amending landfill licences to permit waste picking
Social Plans for Landfill Waste Pickers
Webinar – Integrating landfill waste pickers
This case study focuses on the South African Waste Pickers Association’s Vaal Park Recycling Centre integration pilot project. The project includes a waste picker cooperative providing a separation at source collection service, running a drop-off centre, aggregating material, and selling collectively.
Additional resources:
Reclaimer profile – Dorah Mabe – Safe conditions
Reclaimer profile – Simon Ramohlokane – Sorting in a cooperative
This case study looks at what happened when a project to support reclaimers in Cape Town clashed with planning regulations, highlighting the importance of institutionalizing waste picker integration within municipal planning processes.
