C40 | Toolkit for cities: Practical actions to integrate informal waste workers into municipal solid waste management systems
As cities worldwide strive to meet ambitious zero-waste targets, the contribution of informal waste workers (IWWs) has become a cornerstone of sustainable urban management. This toolkit provides municipal authorities with a practical, step-by-step roadmap to recognise, protect, and integrate these essential workers into formal solid waste management systems. By prioritising social dialogue and inclusive policy-making, […]
Digitalising Recyclable Waste Management through Mobile Application in Hue City
The Plastic Smart Cities (PSC) project in Viet Nam, in partnership with the mGreen social enterprise, has established a technology-enabled system to manage source-separated waste in Hue City. This intervention focuses on integrating the informal waste sector into a digital platform to improve the efficiency, traceability, and professionalisation of recyclable waste collection directly from households. A Mobile Application for Recyclables Waste Collection: mGreen The core of the intervention is […]
Over 100 Informal Waste Workers Gather in First Annual Convention
The initiative aims to better integrate informal waste workers (known as “saleng”) in Thailand into formal waste management/recycling systems, strengthen public–private partnerships, and promote sustainable waste practices across the city. Over 120 Informal Waste Workers Gather in Surat Thani Behind Surat Thani’s cleaner streets are the Saleng workers—informal waste workers who keep the municipality moving, despite limited social protection, recognition, and support. On 9 December 2025, over 120 members from the Saleng Association were brought together for its annual convention organised by WWF-Thailand […]
SEA of Solutions 2025 Bangkok: Plastic Smart Cities Reflections
Plastic Smart Cities and WWF-Thailand joined governments, industry leaders, civil society organizations, and coastal communities from across Southeast and East Asia at the Sea of Solutions 2025, convened by COBSEA (Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia) and UNEP (16 – 18 December 2025, Bangkok). The event brought together key stakeholders to strengthen regional dialogue on addressing marine plastic […]