Perspectives of informal street waste pickers in Loja-Ecuador

Abstract

Waste pickers contribute to country environmental and sustainability goals, and yet they are a marginalised and precarious group that requires further research. Using a case study design of informal waste pickers in Loja-Ecuador, representatives from waste picker associations, recycling warehouses, and public agencies were interviewed about the dynamics of informal recycling in this city. In addition, street level waste pickers were interviewed to understand their difficulties. The data obtained were complemented by participant observation of the recycling work on the street. The results show that in the city of Loja, two types of waste pickers coexist —associated and non-associated—, those who are associated obtain higher profits although the main perceived benefit is to carry out the activity under the authority’s consent. Likewise, it was found that waste recovery is the main income source for most of the families engaged in this activity, however, the income generated varies by gender. Furthermore, the majority of waste pickers are women who, along with children and the elderly, are disadvantaged as compared with their male counterparts in performing this activity. Competition for recyclable material among waste pickers was cited as the main problem. The findings provide the basis for constructing an inclusive urban development process that considers the work of waste pickers within the framework of a popular and solidarity economy.