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Research & Policy

Informal-Sector Study

Making visible the informal system that already recycles the city.

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Informal-sector waste workers at a facility
What it is

An informal-sector study maps the waste-pickers, aggregators (kabadiwalas) and recyclers who quietly handle much of India’s recycling — their numbers, flows, economics and needs — the evidence base for inclusion policy.

Why it matters
  • The informal sector is invisible in official data
  • Inclusion policy needs its real structure and economics
  • It reveals both contribution and vulnerability
Already recycling the city

Map the system that works unseen

An informal-sector study makes visible the waste-pickers, kabadiwalas and recyclers who handle much of India’s recycling — their numbers, flows and economics.

The informal recycling system
Waste-pickersRecover recyclables from waste
Itinerant buyersDoorstep kabadiwalas
Scrap aggregatorsSort and bulk by grade
Small recyclersReturn material back into use
How we do it

A clear, practical approach

01Actor mapping

Pickers, aggregators and recyclers and their links.

02Flows & economics

Material flows, rates and dependencies.

03Findings

Evidence and inclusion recommendations.

Proof on the ground

Related work we've delivered

Real projects behind our research & policy — named partners, measured outcomes.

Research

Single-Use Plastics Value-Chain Assessment

2 cities in Maharashtra & 2 cities in Tamil Nadu

4Cities studied (2 Maharashtra + 2 Tamil Nadu)
Read the case study →
Composting

Turning Waste Into Wealth — City Compost Business Models for ULBs

Ballarpur · Erandol · Badlapur · Karad, Maharashtra

245 MTProject compost demand fulfilled (April–June 2022)
Read the case study →
Research

Impact Evaluation of a Decentralized Solid Waste Management Project

16 Bulk Waste Generators across Mumbai & Pune

88%Segregation rate achieved at household level
Read the case study →
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FAQ

Informal-Sector Study — quick answers

The essentials, then talk to us for your specifics.

Talk to our team →
What is informal-sector study?
An informal-sector study maps the waste-pickers, aggregators (kabadiwalas) and recyclers who quietly handle much of India’s recycling — their numbers, flows, economics and needs — the evidence base for inclusion policy.
Who needs Informal-Sector Study?
It's built for governments & development orgs. The informal sector is invisible in official data Inclusion policy needs its real structure and economics
How does Social Lab deliver Informal-Sector Study?
Actor mapping: Pickers, aggregators and recyclers and their links. Flows & economics: Material flows, rates and dependencies. Findings: Evidence and inclusion recommendations. You get: An informal-sector map; Flow & economic analysis; Inclusion-policy recommendations.
Where to next

Explore the rest of our waste-circularity work — by service, by who you are, or by where you operate.

All services By client type By location Waste Circularity hub →
Let’s talk

Need informal-sector study?

Tell us where you are and we'll scope it — baseline to measured impact.

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Or call +91 95794 42142 · [email protected]