Australian scientists from Charles Darwin University have identified slums in developing countries as key to building circular economy cities through efficient waste management. To work published In the scientific journal Nature Sustainability.
Experts analyzed the similarities between the practices of poor residents and the basic principles of the circular economy, which includes zero waste production and the use of recycled materials.
Researchers found that many slum dwellers in India, South Africa, Peru and other developing countries are forced to make a living by collecting and sorting waste. This activity encourages people to become more knowledgeable about waste in order to identify materials that can be sold for recycling.
“In Dharavi, India’s largest slum, waste segregation and recycling accounts for 60 to 80% of all waste processing in the city of Mumbai; waste collectors close the loop in the recycling and reuse chain. “This becomes an integral part of the circular economy and paves the way for building cities that use these principles,” said study co-author Dr. Odey Erdiaw-Kwasi.
Engaging slum dwellers as waste collection and recycling experts will help revitalize the capacity of marginalized communities and accelerate the creation of new settlements based on circular models, scientists say.
Previous scientists developed Method of producing soap from plastic waste.
Source: Gazeta
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