State Intervention, Urban Hygiene and Waste Recuperators Subsidies: Buenos Aires, 2001-2013

Abstract

This article analyzes state intervention in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires inrelation to recyclable waste management and subsidy policy applied to recyclers. Thispolicy is due both to the struggle and organization of recyclers and the State’s search toreduce the cost of waste treatment. The methodology used is related to the treatment ofquantitative and qualitative sources. It reviewed the budgets granted to recycling nationalnewspapers from 1989 to 2013 and interviews with key informants. It is concluded thatRecyclers are cheap labor used and hired by the State to ensure a more efficient urbanhygiene system.