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Cuenca: Inclusive Recycling System in the Canton Cuenca

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The Inclusive Recycling System project is being developed in Cuenca, Ecuador, in the province of Azuay. Since 2004, Cuenca has implemented recycling by formalising a regulation for waste pickers, demonstrating its commitment to waste management and the inclusion of this group. EMAC EP leads the project, being responsible for environmental policies and programmes in the region.

The grassroots waste pickers, who were working in precarious conditions, have received support from EMAC EP to improve their situation. Originally, they operated in a landfill in El Valle. A door-to-door recycling system was implemented and ARUC and AREV were created to organise them. They are provided with PPE and a childcare centre. There are 11 waste pickers' associations, two of them with collection centres, and the FRI is given for the tonnes of waste avoided in the landfill.

Since 2019, personal protective equipment, food baskets have been provided during the pandemic, and organisational strengthening.

Public awareness is essential. EMAC EP implements important projects to raise public awareness through educommunication.

Solid waste management in Cuenca includes the recognition and formalisation of waste pickers as key actors.

Waste pickers, mostly women, earn an average monthly income of US$113. EMAC EP invests through the Inclusive Recycling Fund, which compensates for the tons avoided in final disposal, to implement actions in health, nutrition, education and productive strengthening of grassroots recyclers. The success of the project is measured by the amount of waste recovered, the benefits obtained by the waste pickers in inter-institutional coordination and the actions implemented with the FRI.

The project has made the work of waste pickers visible, extending the life of the landfill and formalising 236 waste pickers. Collaboration with academic and public institutions has benefited this vulnerable group, improving their health, organisation, communication and education.


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