En quête des communs urbains

Abstract

Based on empirical investigations in the Vitória metropolitan region (Brazil), we analyze conflictual urban waste management through the lens of commons. The implementation of a separate waste collection by local authorities has led to clashes between municipal service agents (public or private) and (formal and informal) recovery agents. By revealing the inner dynamics of Ostromian common-pool resources (CPR), we argue that considering urban waste deposit as a CPR could prove useful. In the light of the groundbreaking regulation initiative in Vitória, the notion of use rights further allows us to contemplate what a semi-decentralized service would be like.

Keywords

• Brazil
• commons
• solid waste
• ownership conflicts
• use rights