March 1st is a date to recognize the essential work of grassroots waste pickers around the world. This day is commemorated in connection with an unfortunate event that occurred in 1992 in Colombia, at the Free University of Barranquilla, when ten waste pickers died as victims of violence that reflects the historical devaluation of their work. Since then, World Waste Picker Day has become a global call to ensure respect, justice and social inclusion for those who support the recycling chain.
At ReciVeci®, we work every day to link grassroots waste pickers with the rest of society: companies, institutions and citizens. On this day, we want to share with you three ways you can contribute to inclusive recycling:
1) ReciApp®: Technology at the service of inclusive recycling
Through our application, citizens can recycle with basic recyclers, earn points for each delivery and exchange them for prizes. The ReciApp® also has a collaborative mapping system, where people can locate and register their neighborhood waste picker, making it easier for others to contact them as well. This mapping process allows waste pickers to enter our database and at the same time they can access training and connect with active projects in their areas.
Currently, ReciApp® has more than 2,000 registered waste pickers in Quito, and is also present in Cuenca and Guayaquil. Very soon, we will be adding a new option so that basic recyclers can also receive ReciPoints, recognizing their work and providing them with more benefits. With this innovation, we continue to strengthen our platforms and promote more inclusive, just and sustainable recycling.
2) Fair tons: Dignity in every ton recycled
With the support of the Latitude R platform, we are currently creating the concept of Fair tons, where we promote not only recognition of the amount of recycled tons recovered, but in the conditions in which they are recovered. La Just a ton promotes economic and social recognition of the collection service offered by basic recyclers, direct access to clean and dry material, access to labor and health rights, among others.
You too can be part of the right tons, Read the blog and find out how.
3) Glass Hub by ReciVeci®: generating new revenue opportunities for recyclers through glass
Another breakthrough that we celebrate is the Glass Hub by Reciveci®, where currently at least 70 of our 100 suppliers are basic recyclers. Thanks to this initiative, they now receive an additional income of approximately $50 USD for the recovery of glass, a material that was previously not cost-effective to recover, despite being 100% and infinitely recyclable. This is a clear example of how inclusion and the circular economy can generate tangible benefits.
If you are in Quito, you can contribute by directly delivering your green, transparent and brown glass bottles and jars to the basic recyclers that recycle in your area (and who you can find through ReciApp®). And if they don't know it yet, let them know that this glass collection center exists!
Glass Hub Contacts:
Telephone: 099 700 0926
New location: Calle Princesa Paccha S2 144 and Mama Ocllo (50 meters from the courts of the “Casa Tuya” residential area).
On this World Waste Picker Day, let's recycle in an inclusive way!
