Rendimiento de los recicladores de la Ciudad de Cuenca

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of curbside waste pickers in the city of Cuenca by analyzing their average yield in different urban areas: neighborhoods, condominiums, commercial zones, and rural areas. Additionally, performance was based on the type of recycled material and variations among three waste picker associations: Sol y Agua, Centro Histórico, and Pichacay. A descriptive-correlational and quantitative methodology with a quasi-experimental approach was used. Data were collected through surveys, field accompaniment, and systematic records of weight and distance along the collection routes carried out by waste pickers in various areas of Cuenca to assess their performance, as well as the time and distance covered during their routes. The results show that, contrary to common assumptions, waste pickers who cover longer routes do not necessarily collect larger volumes of materials. By contrast, some waste pickers with shorter routes manage to collect more material due to the characteristics of the area and the amount of waste generated. The study provides technical insights for redesigning recycling routes in the areas analyzed, prioritizing those with higher yield and efficiency. By demonstrating that longer routes do not always result in greater collection, the study offers applicable criteria ot optimize the route assignments and promote a more equitable distribution of work among waste pickers.