LAUSR

Abstract Part of urban sustainability strategies, waste recycling is an activity that can provide environmental, sanitary, social and economic benefits. However, despite its relevance, it has not been entirely developed. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to identify the restraining forces that have limited the expansion of waste recycling. The research was carried out through a collective case study in Brazil, where besides preserve natural resources, waste recycling creates employment and wealth. Two contrasting cases were studied: a newly-implemented program and a well-established one. Data collection included documental research, in loco observation, 800 closed quantitative interviews with householders and 33 guided qualitative interviews within waste pickers, scrap dealers, recycling industries’ managers and local administrators. The main barriers identified were the lack of knowledge about practical and operational aspects of programs, an unequal sharing of the costs and benefits of recycling, a deficient infrastructure and a shortfall of professional management. The better understanding of these barriers can improve waste recycling in distinct urban contexts, as some of the barriers have been found in other developed and developing countries. They can also aid local administrations to perceive and overcome problems in different urban activities.