Thinking Households—How Resident Conceptualisations of Waste, Reclaimers and Separation at Source Shape Recycling Practices

Abstract Municipalities across the globe are implementing separation at source programmes to reduce waste sent landfills. Yet typically, significant numbers of households do not participate. This article contributes debates on reasons for low S@S participation rates through comparative analysis in Johannesburg’s first programme by residents low-income, predominantly black suburb Newlands and high-income, white area Franklin Roosevelt Park. The argues that how conceptualised waste, reclaimers (waste pickers) influenced whether they separated their recyclables what did with them. Class (which is articulated race) played an important role, as while some each revalued via routes other than official Pikitup programme, those Park tended separate reclaimers, were more likely sell augment incomes or reuse them need new purchases. These practices quantities diverted from landfill invisible Pikitup, which only recognised materials its pilot. findings highlight necessity expanding conceptualisations include these additional revaluation if we develop contextually appropriate capture accurate data diversion In addition, interventions transform residents’ conceptualisation so it excludes items retain value could facilitate greater this expanded form source.