Solid waste management in low- and middle-income countries like India faces significant challenges due to the increasing waste generation that surpasses the current capacity. Therefore, the informal waste sector (IWS) is more vital than ever in handling consumer waste alongside municipal solid waste management (SWM) systems. However, the integration of the IWS into formal waste management systems remains unresolved due to adverse social and economic conditions. This study focuses on identifying the root causes that hinder the integration of the IWS in India's waste management system, using the city of Chennai as a case study. Adopting an institutional perspective, we analyse the institutional landscape of the waste management system, considering both formal rules (in policy documents) and informal rules (i.e., social norms and routines). The institutional network analysis reveals a significant misalignment in perceptions among governance levels concerning the integration of the IWS. The study shows a considerable gap between rules-in-form and rules-in-use, leading to 1) Preclusion of waste pickers in collecting door-to-door source-segregated waste (i.e., recyclables). 2) Unfair pricing in transactions with small aggregators. 3) Lack of ID cards for waste pickers. These barriers are ultimately rooted in caste discrimination, misalignment between governance levels, and the exclusion of waste pickers in the policymaking process. In conclusion, understanding and rectifying the institutional gaps and discriminatory practices are essential steps towards effectively integrating the IWS in India's waste management system, promoting a more inclusive and sustainable approach to waste management.

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The transition to a circular economy (CE) is challenged by the presence of hazardous
substances, also known as substances of concern (SoC), in products. SoC are used in various
applications such as electronics, textiles, and toys, and can cause harmful effects on human health and
the environment. The topic of SoC in products has been predominantly studied in the fields of chemical
engineering and material sciences to develop alternative chemicals and materials. However, methods
to safely deal with SoC from the product design perspective are currently limited. This paper aims to
address this issue and presents a first version of a Safe and Circular by Design Method. This method
supports designers when (re)developing products containing SoC by mitigating or managing the
associated risks, resulting in products that last and are safe for the circular economy. The method is
based on the results obtained in a previous study on five historical cases of product-substance
combinations (IenW, 2022), which identified and classified design strategies to deal with SoC in
products. The method involves guiding designers through a comprehensive analysis of the productSoC combination and its context, considering all stages of the lifecycle(s). The results of the analysis
help designers identify action points, informing their decision when selecting and developing mitigation
strategies. The method also recommends a list of possible strategies to deal with the SoC. The selected
strategies can be qualitatively assessed by the designer to identify their benefits, drawbacks, and
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