ReciVecindad was recognized with the Quito Sustainable Metropolitan Environmental Distinction in the Green Allies category, which rewards neighborhoods, buildings, collectives and organizations that lead environmental transformation processes in Quito and create replicable models of sustainable communities. For ReciVeci®, this recognition reaffirms that recycling is not just about installing containers, but about building a system that combines social, environmental and technology responsibility.
ReciVecindad was born with the objective of ensuring that each neighborhood has a safe, close and reliable point to deliver recyclable waste, and at the same time improve the working conditions of the basic recyclers who support the recycling chain in the city. Today that dream has become a network of 18 recycling stations operating in Quito thanks to the support of allies such as Embassy of Australia and Latitude R. And also thanks to the sponsorship of San Felipe Water, which drives the operation of two of these stations and strengthens the system so that it continues to grow.
Each station works thanks to the surrounding community. Custodians care for, disseminate and keep the recycling point active. They are businesses, eco-friendly stores, restaurants, cultural centers and residential complexes that are committed to the environment and to those who work in recycling. Some guardians such as Ecoterra and L'Eden they are even integrated as ReciNegocios and they offer prizes or discounts at ReciApp® to motivate more people to separate their waste.
The system is designed so that the neighborhood's basic recyclers are the ones who manage the recovered materials. This change has been key. Before, they had to pick up at the foot of the sidewalk, among mixed garbage and under unfair conditions. Today they have access to clean, separated and dry materials, allowing them to be up to 75% more efficient, reduce working hours, increase income and have better working conditions. In addition, thanks to the support of the Australian Embassy, we were able to equip them with protective aprons, gloves and caps.
We want to thank all the guardians who care for and sustain each station in the ReciVecindad. Ecoterra Cumbayá and Ecoterra Monteserrín, La Y Shopping Center, Lomas de Monteserrín, El Ejido Cultural Space, Plaza del Rancho, El Potrero, Casa Palenque, Arena Bay, Kairos, Taurus Towers, L'Eden, Casa Miómana, Terralta, Bunker Haus, CENDIA and Azul Esfera EcoTienda. Everyone contributes from their own space to make this system work every day. Thanks to your commitment, thousands of people can find these stations on the ReciApp map and deliver their materials in a safe, clean and responsible manner.
The distinction awarded by the Ministry of Environment recognizes collectives, organizations and communities that promote sustainable and innovative models Since 2015, DAM-QS has received more than 1,200 applications and has awarded more than 230 initiatives that work for a greener and more resilient city.
ReciVecindad demonstrates that building sustainable cities is possible when all actors are connected. A recycling point only works when a community takes care of it, when a recycler manages it and when technology allows everything to be brought together in a transparent and accessible system.
At ReciVeci, we celebrate this recognition and renew our commitment to Quito. We will continue working to ensure that more neighborhoods have nearby stations, so that more recyclers have access to decent conditions and for the city to move towards a future where separating waste is a daily and collective habit.
