At Evergreen Labs, we believe in the power of inclusive and sustainable waste management systems. Our latest white paper, "From the Margins to Mainstream: A Case Study of Integrating Informal Sector Workers into Formal Economies in Southeast Asia," delves into the critical role that Informal Waste Workers (IWWs) play within the waste management ecosystem. This white paper is a compilation of our efforts, pilots, initiatives and partnerships over the past 8 years to integrate and improve the livelihoods of IWW in a sustainable way.

The Vital Role of Informal Waste Workers

Informal Waste Workers (IWWs) are the unsung heroes of the waste management sector. Despite their significant contributions to recycling and waste segregation, they often operate on the fringes of the formal economy, facing numerous challenges such as unstable income, social discrimination, and hazardous working conditions. In countries like Vietnam, where the waste management infrastructure is still developing, IWWs play a crucial role in collecting and sorting recyclable waste, often under arduous conditions.

Challenges Faced by IWWs

One of the primary obstacles for IWWs is the lack of formal recognition by public authorities. This exclusion results in several hardships, including inadequate income, limited access to essential resources, and poor health due to the lack of safety equipment. The waste management system in many developing countries is marked by gaps in source segregation, limited solutions for low-value plastics, and insufficient infrastructure, increasing the weight of the challenges faced by IWWs.

Evergreen Labs’ Interventions

At Evergreen Labs, we have been at the forefront of addressing these challenges through a variety of innovative initiatives aimed at integrating IWWs into the formal economy. Our key interventions include:

1. Empowering Informal Waste Workers (The Collector Network): We provide resources, training, and support to IWWs, improving their livelihoods and safety. Our initiatives focus on equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to enhance their efficiency and safety.
2. Maximizing Recovery (Business Connection Program): By partnering with businesses, we enhance waste segregation and collection, ensuring a stable income for IWWs. This program helps in creating a more organized and efficient waste management system.
3. Value-Driven Infrastructure (Materials Recovery Facilities and Master Aggregators): We have established dedicated facilities to streamline waste processing and improve recycling rates. These facilities serve as central hubs for waste collection, sorting, and recycling, ensuring higher efficiency and better outcomes.

4. Closing the Loop (ReForm Plastic): Our low-cost, scalable technologies recycle low-value plastics, empowering local entrepreneurs through a social franchise model. This initiative not only addresses the issue of plastic waste but also creates economic opportunities for local communities.
5. Digital Plastic Waste Tracking: We have implemented digital tools to ensure transparency and efficiency in the waste management supply chain. These tools help in tracking the journey of waste from collection to recycling, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Impact and Outcomes

Our efforts have led to significant improvements in the lives of IWWs and the overall waste management system. Some of the key outcomes include:

• Connected IWWs with businesses, providing them with stable income and improved working conditions.
• Enhanced income stability and improved health and safety standards for IWWs.
• Increased recycling rates through better waste segregation and processing.
• Development of a viable model for sustainable waste management that supports economic growth and environmental protection.

Recommendations for Future Actions

While we have made significant strides, achieving long-term sustainability requires broader collaboration and support. Our white paper recommends the following actions:

1. Enhancing Collaboration and Partnerships: Strengthening partnerships among government bodies, private sector entities, NGOs, and academic institutions is crucial for creating a sustainable waste management ecosystem.
2. Implementing Comprehensive Training Programs: Providing continuous training to IWWs to improve safety and efficiency in waste collection and processing.
3. Strengthening Infrastructure and Technology: Investing in infrastructure and technology to support efficient waste segregation and recycling.
4. Promoting Policy and Regulatory Support: Encouraging policy frameworks, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, to support sustainable waste management practices.
5. Enhancing Community Engagement and Awareness: Fostering community engagement and awareness to promote sustainable practices and support for IWWs.
6. Providing Financial and Health Support: Ensuring the well-being of IWWs through financial aid and access to healthcare services.

The integration of informal waste workers into formal waste management systems presents a significant opportunity for Southeast Asia to achieve both environmental sustainability and social equity. Our initiatives at Evergreen Labs demonstrate the potential of innovative, collaborative approaches to address existing challenges and drive progress towards a circular economy. By building on these efforts and addressing ongoing challenges, we can create a more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable waste management ecosystem that benefits all.

At Evergreen Labs, we remain committed to transforming the informal waste sector into a driver of a circular plastic economy while simultaneously enhancing the livelihoods of IWWs. We call on all stakeholders to join us in this mission to create a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone involved in the waste management ecosystem.

Please read the full white paper here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vOCVw3Hiys9NJ4x4RVmvrYMAmLuL1iUc/view?usp=share_link