The Payatas environmental development programme: micro-enterprise promotion and involvement in solid waste management in Quezon City describes the development of a federation of scavengers who live close to a major solid waste dump and explains how the federation has increased the scavengers' capacity to negotiate with local authorities and other government agencies. A long-term environmental development programme has been initiated which builds on the existing activities of scavenger households and which is also integrated with housing, health and other social initiatives. A successful savings and credit programme funds micro-enterprises and social needs including a housing programme. The paper ends by reflecting on the lessons learnt and their relevance for other communities.