El reciclaje como alternativa de autoempleo digno para los actores de la economía popular y solidaria que se dedican a la recuperación de residuos sólidos inorgánicos potencialmente reciclables

Abstract

The present case analysis is the result of an approach to a 13-member association of recyclers in the Ambato Canton, in order to analyze the current reality of this economic activity prioritized in the new productive matrix of Ecuador. The methodology was qualitative and it was used: semi-structured interviews, focus group, metaplan, documentary analysis. The main results achieved allowed us to understand how the members of the organization have made this activity their main source of income, but that they incur informality and a series of issues that limit their effective integration and participation in the integral management of solid waste; keeping them in a subsistence economy. They have a basic education level, income that barely reaches a third of the basic salary, which triggers a set of limitations that directly affect recyclers and their families. However, this activity shows great business and support potential in the integral management of solid waste that is harnessed by the power of certain monopsonies and oligopsonies and intermediaries who, when buying recyclable materials, take most of the revenues generated in the recycling market. The recyclers, despite being organized, have very precarious conditions under the context that is looked at. The formalization of its activity should be one of the priorities of the competent authorities. With an adequate attention on the part of the public sector could radically improve their conditions and transform them from simple pickers/recyclers of base in microentrepreneurs, that contribute in the generation of employment, the conservation of the environment, and consequently to the sustainable development of the Canton.