La verdadera inclusión: la controversia entre el reciclaje inclusivo y el reciclaje justo en el marco del desarrollo sostenible

Abstract

This research analyses the work of recycling as possible business activity with a view to becoming an Inclusive Business (NI) led by waste pickers, where the criteria of inclusiveness and justice are met. The main objective of this article is to determine whether the actors involved in the NI strategy under the assumption of Creating Shared Value (CVC), meet the criteria for true inclusion, which will be considered from a business and social point of view, verifying that the recycling activity is inclusive, fair and whether as NI contributes to Sustainable Development (SD). The methodology proposed by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) is used, which describes the state of inclusion of waste pickers and determines whether the consideration for the development of this activity is fair. The study has a mixed approach, whit a sequential exploratory design and a non-experimental character; it was developed in the city of Cuenca, where 7 associations of consolidated recyclers were analyzed. A total of 161 Primary Recyclers (PRs) participated, to whom an instrument was applied; in addition, the legal framework regulating this activity was reviewed and the parameters to be met by the recycling activity were analyzed in order to be considered as NI with contribution to the SD. The results highlight the average level of inclusion of recyclers in relation to their activity. Recycling is an activity that has potential like NI, however, there are no ideal conditions, the policies and ordinances that facilitate their conceptualization and consolidation, nor does it meet the established parameters to align to the SD and contribute to the CVC.