Author ORCID Identifier
Rajesh Chandwani: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3052-3254
Vaibhavi Kulkarni: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2513-7460
Abstract
Emerging technologies (ETs) can potentially transform solid waste management (SWM) practices, thus contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals. However, in developing countries such as India, SWM practices primarily involve informal systems of waste picker communities. Mistrust between stakeholders in such contexts is a significant impediment in the adoption of ETs. This study presents a case study to explicate (a) how design and implementation of technology by “Let's recycle” addressed the prevalent issue of mistrust among the stakeholders in the informal SWM practices in India and (b) how the organization used a combination of mundane and familiar technologies with advanced ET to enhance the trust of waste picker communities in ETs. This intervention led to streamlining of waste collection practices and significantly improved socioeconomic conditions of waste pickers, one of the highly stigmatized and underprivileged groups in India. Through this study, we aim to highlight the use of ETs to manage unique contextual challenges in countries with a strong presence of the informal sector. Specifically, we contribute to the literature on trust and technology by highlighting how the context-specific combination of technologies can enhance stakeholders' trust in ETs and enable sustainable development initiatives.
DOI
10.17705/1CAIS.05828
Recommended Citation
Chandwani, R., & Kulkarni, V. (2026). Combining the Mundane with High-end Emerging Technologies: Streamlining Work Practices of Informal Waste Pickers. Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 58, 720-741. https://doi.org/10.17705/1CAIS.05828
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