Practical Solutions to Enhance the Productivity of Waste Picker Organizations Through the Application of Lean Tools

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the research is to improve the productivity of a Waste Picker Organization using lean tools.   Introduction: Waste Pickers Organizations (WPO) play a key role in the circular economy and in the Brazilian recycling industry, but several organizational structure inefficiencies hamper productivity. One way to understand how these inefficiencies occur and how to eliminate them is through the application of Lean thinking.   Methodology: Lean tools (SIPOC, process modelling, Value Stream Mapping, spaghetti diagram, activity value analysis, and spatial rearrangement) were explored for the analysis of operational activities, focusing on elimination of unnecessary activities and layout changes, and to measure the improvements.   Results and Conclusion: After the implementation of the suggested improvements in the WPO waste selection macro process, several productivity enhancements were noted, including a reduction of initial stock (59%), a decreased lead time (41%), lower processing times (57%), and improved cargo handling (17%).  These findings clearly indicate how the application of lean tools can improve overall productivity in Waste Picker Organizations being practical solutions that only require human resource.   Research implications: Lean tools to enhance the productivity of WPO were applied as practical and inexpensive solutions to identify and describe the main flows and layout types at Waste Picker Organizations (WPO).   Originality/value: Practical solutions are the most request issues regarding improvement actions implementations in waste management, but especially when the focus is the waste picker organizations due to the government's financial dependence as the main economic source and difficulties in self-management.