This study examines the nature of the informal sector in solid waste management (SWM) as it exists in India. In doing so it elaborates on the significant economic contribution of the informal sector vis a vis both its workers and with respect to the SWM system in general. The dynamics of the integration of waste pickers in SWM systems are documented and analysed through case studies of four cities. They provide evidence for the argument that best practices in Indias SWM systems can only benefit from such integration while its (informal sectors) exclusion would fly in the face of economic rationality besides constituting a serious violation of distributive justice.