Context:
It is estimated that Ecuador generates around 5 million tons of solid waste per year, but only 5% of this is recycled. Of that percentage, 50% is recovered thanks to the work of basic recyclers. Despite the fact that their work makes up for the lack of management on the part of governments, companies and citizens, on average, they earn less than half of their basic salary per month.
This context is not exclusive to Ecuador, and that is when the concept of “inclusive recycling” was born at the regional level, which seeks to recognize the environmental, economic, social and cultural role played by basic waste pickers.
Why does knowing this matter? Because, although basic waste pickers and recyclers provide a fundamental service for the environment and society, they work in precarious conditions. They spend entire days recovering recyclable materials from covers and waste containers, where waste is not separated and mixed with hazardous materials such as biological waste, syringes and glass. Despite the risks, they depend on this work for their livelihood, since their income comes exclusively from the recyclable material they manage to recover.
In this scenario, let's talk about the importance of fair ton:
With the support of the regional platform Latitude R, at ReciVeci we join the challenge of defining why a material that arrives in decent conditions at the hands of basic recyclers has a greater value than the same amount of material that is recovered in precarious conditions. This blog article is the result of this process of conceptualizing the Just a ton, and includes findings from internal workshops to define the concept, together with information and inputs from Latitude R.
What do we call Just a ton?
“The Just a ton, referring to the collection of materials not only with a focus on volumes but also on the way in which this recovery is carried out, was a concept proposed to overcome the mere collection of tons. It links with payment for services, labor rights, access to technology, knowledge and infrastructure, life insurance or health insurance, among other elements.” - Latitude R.
A ton recovered vs. a ton righteous recovered, it does not have the same value. With this concept, we propose the recognition that, if the ton of recyclables was recovered, guaranteeing conditions that provide security and dignity to basic recyclers, their economic, social and environmental value is naturally greater.
For a ton to be considered righteous, must at least comply with the following:
- Access to clean, dry and separated material:
- Recyclers should receive previously separated materials at the source, clean and dry, avoiding the need to mine in bags with other mixed waste.
- Citizens, companies, institutions, etc., deliver clean, dry and separated material to basic recyclers, which prevents them from having to expose themselves and allows them to do their jobs in a more dignified and efficient way.
- Economic recognition with a payment for the collection and management service of recyclable waste:
- The work of the recycler must be valued as a recyclable waste management service, with payment for the provision of the service
- Formalization:
- Grassroots recyclers must receive support from authorities or private entities to join public or private recyclable waste management systems, promoting their continuous training.
- Access to life or health insurance, social security and decent working conditions:
- Basic waste pickers must have access, for example, to social security and retirement, taking into account that a large part of those who dedicate themselves to basic recycling are elderly people and have worked their entire lives in this profession.
- Have access to personal protective equipment (gloves, aprons, caps, etc.).
- Social Recognition, Visibility and Inclusion:
- Include grassroots waste pickers in events, projects that strengthen inclusive recycling with public-private companies and citizens to promote human bonding and social integration.
A concept still under development
The “fair ton” is a concept under construction that we are currently developing at ReciVeci with the support of Latitude R. We are working to define what it means and what key factors must be considered to ensure that a ton recovered by basic recyclers is truly fair. This includes establishing quantitative and qualitative indicators, as well as a precise methodology to measure them. This process seeks to promote decent and sustainable conditions for those who carry out this fundamental work in the recycling chain.
If you made it this far, thank you for reading! We invite you to be part of the recovery of just tons by separating, sorting and delivering your recyclable material directly to basic recyclers. With actions, let's continue to build a world of inclusive circular economy.
Consulted links:
- Latitude R. (2016). Inclusive recycling and grassroots recyclers in Ecuador. https://latitudr.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Reciclaje-Inlcusivo-y-Recicladores-de-base-en-EC.pdf
- Latitude R., https://latitudr.org/
- Latitude R. Scientific data prove the positive impact of inclusive recycling on the climate, https://latitudr.org/datos-cientificos-comprueban-el-impacto-positivo-del-reciclaje-inclusivo-en-el-clima/
- Avina Foundation. Avina's position in the third session of negotiations for a global treaty on plastics, https://www.avina.net/posicionamiento-de-avina-en-la-tercera-sesion-de-negociaciones-para-un-tratado-global-sobre-plasticos/
