Recycling in business in Colombia and Peru, contributing to the circular economy to reduce poverty and increase environmental sustainability

Marlene Zapata Carnaqué E.; Luis Moreno Gutiérrez J. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2025) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2025.1.1.1848

Resumen

The formalization of recycling is an essential process that improves efficiency, increases citizen participation, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations, benefiting both the environment and the community. This study, based on a quantitative methodology involving 1,632 surveys and 40 interviews with public leaders, proposes a business model that integrates recyclers into the formal economy. The objective is to reduce poverty, foster social inclusion, and improve the indicators of the 2030 Agenda. The results show that the formalization of recycling creates formal employment and significantly increases recyclers’ income compared to those operating in informality. Additionally, an improvement in environmental sustainability is observed, along with a comprehensive understanding of the circular economy among formalized recyclers. The findings highlight that formalization is effective in reducing poverty and promoting social inclusion by providing recyclers with labor benefits, education, and access to healthcare services, thereby improving their quality of life. Furthermore, the implementation of this model contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in relation to ending poverty (SDG 1), reducing inequalities (SDG 10), and climate action (SDG 13). The study emphasizes the importance of public policies that promote the formalization of recycling as a key tool for socioeconomic development in Colombia and Peru.

Instituciones: Universidad Católica Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo