Creation of a collectors network in Bolivia

Introduction

This initiative, supported by the ADELANTE Window, was a Triangular Cooperation effort that integrated best practices and lessons learned from Ecuador’s National Network of Waste Pickers (RENAREC) while facilitating the exchange of European expertise in social impact measurement, inclusive business development, and social innovation programmes.

Objectives

This Triangular Cooperation Initiative aimed to maximise the knowledge of the Partnership's provider entities in order to transfer their model of establishing associations of waste pickers, focused on ensuring their rights, advocacy and social entrepreneurship.

Knowledge exchange in association formalisation

The initiative brought together:

• National Network of Waste Pickers of Ecuador (RENAREC, Ecuador)
• Roots for Sustainability (R4S, Spain)

Its primary goal was to strengthen Bolivia Unida, the Association of Solid Waste Collectors in Bolivia, and the broader Partnership. This was achieved through the exchange, adaptation, and comparative systematisation of experiences in supporting the formalisation of waste picker associations.

Recognising the value of RENAREC’s experience in forming a national network, Bolivia Unida collaborated with RENAREC and R4S to develop a Triangular Cooperation Partnership focused on creating tools and strategies for establishing and managing a national network of waste pickers in Bolivia. Social impact and inclusive business practices were key components of this effort, reinforcing formalisation as a tool for social action, advocacy, and the protection of workers’ rights.

Expanding impact and collaboration

With Bolivia Unida leading coordination efforts among collector associations, the initiative aimed to lay the groundwork for a sustainable and structured national network. Through joint efforts, the partnership developed a comprehensive formalisation model, which includes:

• A step-by-step guide to the formalisation process
• Case studies and best practices
• A long-term action plan to strengthen Bolivia Unida’s role as a key advocate for waste pickers’ rights in Bolivia

Additionally, this model was designed to be adaptable to other contexts, with support from the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Waste Pickers (RedLACRE), a collaborating entity in the initiative. This broader coordination ensures that the knowledge and tools developed can benefit waste picker organisations across the region.

Project activities

This Initiative was built around eight key activities designed to equip waste picker associations in Bolivia with the knowledge and tools necessary to actively participate in shaping the organisational structure of a national network. The initiative also fostered an entrepreneurial vision, providing essential resources for sustainable management and social entrepreneurship.

• Capacity building: workshops were held in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Sucre, Potosí, Tarija, and Cochabamba, equipping waste pickers with the knowledge and tools to:
  • Understand the benefits of formalisation.
  • Develop management skills for local associations.
  • Participate in the governance of a national waste pickers’ network.
• Model development: the initiative provided key resources to structure the national network:
  • Legal support: guidance on registration, documentation, and securing legal status.
  • Governance framework: decision-making structures and advocacy strategies.
  • Digital tools: a website and web application to centralise resources, facilitate coordination, and support waste pricing discussions.
• Community engagement: the final seminar in Santa Cruz de la Sierra brought together waste picker associations from across Bolivia, partner organisations, and public and private sector stakeholders. During this event, the national network of waste pickers in Bolivia was formally established, marking a major milestone for the sector.

Cross-cutting themes

Throughout the initiative, a comprehensive and inclusive approach was applied, ensuring that key social and environmental priorities were embedded in every stage of the process:

• Gender Equality – Promoting the active participation of women in leadership and decision-making
• Environmental Sustainability – Strengthening waste management practices for long-term ecological impact
• Human Rights – Advocating for the rights and dignified working conditions of waste pickers

These themes were integrated into all training sessions, model development, and tools, reinforcing the initiative’s commitment to social justice, sustainability, and grassroots empowerment.

Results

Through this Triangular Cooperation Initiative, the knowledge and expertise of the Partnership's member entities and the collaborating entities in the field of formalisation of associations to created the Bolivian collectors' network, while contributing to the creation of a model that can be adapted to other Latin American contexts.

The results of this Initiative have contributed and aligned with the SDG 10 Reducing Inequality, particularly targets:

• Target 10.3 Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.
• Target 10.B Encourage official development assistance and financial flows, including foreign direct investment, to States where the need is greatest, in particular least developed countries, African countries, small island developing States and landlocked developing countries, in accordance with their national plans and programmes.

Implementing partner

Roots for Sustainability - R4S (Spain)