“Before nobody saw us... now we feel that our work matters.”
With that phrase, Angelita Guachamín, a basic recycler, opened the visit of the Australian Ambassador to ReciVecindad.
On November 19th, the Australian ambassador to Ecuador and Chile, Andrew Martin, toured three points of the ReciVecindad to learn more about how this inclusive community recycling system works and what has been the impact of the support that the Embassy provided to ReciVeci® during 2025.
“We used to pick up on the sidewalk, among mixed and unprotected garbage. We were part of the landscape. With this station, the material arrives clean, separated and we can work in better conditions. We also feel recognized.” Angelita Guachamín, a basic waste picker from the Lomas de Monteserrín neighborhood, says.
The support of the Embassy allowed ReciVecindad went from 8 to 18 active stations in Quito, creating safe and close spots for neighbors to deliver their materials responsibly. In addition, this support facilitated the delivery of personal protective equipment such as caps, gloves and aprons to basic recyclers and recyclers, improving their working conditions.
The visit began in Lomas de Monteserrín, where the Guachamín family and the neighborhood improvement committee received the ambassador to talk about learning, challenges and the impact of having stations that facilitate separation at the source.
The tour continued through Ecoterra and L'Eden, two guardians who are also ReciNegocios. There, the collaborators explained how the stations work within their premises, how they motivate their communities to recycle and how ReciApp® allows you to exchange prizes for the materials delivered.
The ambassador also offered a reflection after the tour. He pointed out that
“The most valuable thing has been knowing the people who make this system work. Seeing how communities, recyclers and businesses connect to sustain recycling shows a real and necessary impact.”
Another achievement of Australian support was to strengthen the network of guardians, a group of businesses, cultural centers, eco-friendly stores and residential complexes that keep the stations active and disseminate information so that more people learn to separate correctly.
Its role is essential for thousands of users to find stations in the ReciApp and deliver their materials clean and dry.
During the tour, Lorena Gallardo, Sustainability and Innovation Manager from ReciVeci, highlighted
“A recycling point only works when the community takes care of it and when a recycler receives materials with dignity. ReciVecindad shows that habits change when there is closeness, support and a clear system.”
ReciVeci® reaffirms its commitment to continue expanding ReciVecindad and strengthening an inclusive recycling model that unites technology, community and social justice. Ambassador Andrew Martin's visit confirms the importance of this system and the value of continuing to build a city where recycling is an accessible, dignified and collective practice.
