updated 3 Nov 1998
Martin Medina. 1998. Role of scavengers in integrated bio-systems: Some past and present experiences
In: Integrated Bio-Systems in Zero Emissions Applications.
Proceedings of the Internet Conference on Integrated Biosystems.
Eds: Eng-Leong Foo & Tarcisio Della Senta. 1998 http://www.ias.unu.edu/proceedings/icibs/medina
 
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About the Author
Prof. Martin Medina 
El Colegio de la Frontera Norte,  Blvd A Rodriguez 2925,  
Zona Rio,  Tijuana B.C.  22320 Mexico 
Phone: 52-66-31 35 35 ext 3208,  Fax; 52-66-313065.  
E-mail: mmedina@colef.mx
Prof. Martin Medina received his Ph. D. degree in Environmental Studies from Yale University in 1997, a Master of Science in Ecology from the University of North Carolina in 1990, and a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development from the Monterrey Technological Institute  in Mexico. Currently professor at the Department of Environmental Studies and Director of the Program on Solid Waste and Sustainability at the El Colegio de la Frontera Norte in Tijuana, Mexico. Have received awards and fellowships from the United Nations University/Institute of Advanced Studies, Mellon Foundation, Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, InterAmerican Foundation, the Latin American Studies Association, and Yale University. Since 1987, Dr Medina has been involved in various projects on waste management issues in developing countries, in particular the informal collection and recycling of waste in Asia and Latin America. He has written 20 articles and a book on waste management issues. He is currently working on projects on environmental education and the development of a recycling program for inorganic materials as well as an integrated biosystem that utilizes wastewater, vermicomposting of biosolids and integrated farming that also serves as a park, in an urban environment.
Abstract
The recovery of materials from waste by scavengers has been carried out for centuries. Organic wastes have been collected and used productively as resources by many cultures throughout history. This paper examines some past and present patterns of integrated biosystems in which scavengers recover household organic wastes, human wastes (excrement and urine), biosolids, and agricultural wastes.   

Organic wastes have been used as soil conditioner, fertilizer, in biogas production, in tanning hides, in the dyeing of fabrics, as fuel, feed to cattle, pigs, shrimp and fish culture, as well as in obtaining substances used in the manufacture of paper, perfume, lubricants, glycerine, candles and soap. In particular, this paper analyzes experiences in integrated biosystems in the United States, Europe, Japan, China, Thailand, and Mexico, and argues that past and present experiences can teach us valuable lessons towards achieving waste minimization, environmental protection and poverty alleviation.