Waste Management Governance in Colombia: the case of National Alliance for Inclusive Recycling

Waste management is considered to be one of the most important challenges that must be faced by the international sustainable development research community, and also by decision makers responsible for global environmental... [ view full abstract ]

Waste management is considered to be one of the most important challenges that must be faced by the international sustainable development research community, and also by decision makers responsible for global environmental governance. In Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) countries this is 4 million waste pickers earn their livelihood by being a part of the recyclables supply chain. Some countries, such as Brazil and Colombia, are adopting pioneering strategies to incorporate these professionals into their waste management models.  In Colombia, a collaborative governance arrangement is being developed which involves the government, private companies, waste pickers and society: the Alianza Nacional para el Reciclaje Inclusivo (National Alliance for Inclusive Recycling).  This model is obtaining good results not only with recycling, but also with social inclusion. The main purpose of this paper is to comprehend how distinct organizations could work together to build and develop a waste management model that truly includes the waste pickers. The current investigation is being accomplished using a case study research methodology, based on interviews and data analysis. Despite being an ongoing investigation, some initial findings have been determined: (i) the process to Alliance creation had a key stakeholder represented by IRR (Iniciativa Regional para el Reciclaje Inclusivo / Regional Initiative for Inclusive Recycling), that was also formed in a net governance process; (ii) the participation of CEMPRE (Compromiso Empresarial para el Reciclaje / Business Commitment for Recycling) was fundamental to guarantee the pickers empowerment; (iii) the Colombian government was open and receptive to help to design new structures to guarantee inclusiveness in the waste management process in the country; and (iv) there is a necessity for changes in the law and the creation of public policies to make the changes possible. The main conclusion is the necessity of powerful and engaged stakeholders in the governance process having a unified approach to making a difference, involving win-win decision making leading to achievable environmental, social and economic gains. 

Key words: Waste Management Governance; National Alliance for Inclusive Recycling; LAC Countries.