Recycling City: Safe Spaces for Informal Recyclers

Abstract

Halifax is undergoing rapid urban transformation, with a population growth rates of 4.5% in 2022. In response, a recent zoning amendment was enacted, allowing for developments in key locations of the Halifax Peninsula to reach heights of up to 40 stories. This threatens the livelihood of a traditionally marginalized sector of the city; people who engage in informal recycling, as a key piece of recycling infrastructure, the Clifton Recycling Centre, lies within one of these zones, putting it at risk of redevelopment. This thesis investigates how architectural interventions can create safe spaces for recyclers, legitimizing their roles as waste diverters and reinforcing their right to the city. Utilizing critical cartography and case study analyses of groups advocating for the rights of recyclers across North America, this research draws on existing systems to position architecture as a tool of spatial justice that can foster inclusivity, promote legitimization and support the informal recycling economy in Halifax.