1. Selective collection
We travel across Bogotá on organized routes, collecting recoverable material separated at the source.
Our impact
Every Piece of Waste Counts
Figures that reflect the daily work of our waste-picker family.
More than 120
Members
More than 5.000
Users
More than 350
Avg. tonnes recovered
How we work
From the street to the circular economy
A human, organized process: collection, transport and storage of recoverable waste.
2. Transport and sorting
We take the material to the collection center, where we carefully separate and sort it by type.
3. Recovery
We return the material to the production chain with fair trade, closing the cycle.
What we do
Transformando residuos en oportunidades
Six areas of work with social, environmental and economic impact.
Dignifying the waste picker
We recognize and value the work of every waste picker as a pillar of the community.
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Recovery
Complementary public sanitation service: waste collection and sorting.
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Commercialization
We connect waste pickers with markets and companies ensuring fair income.
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Circular economy
Every piece of waste has a purpose: reuse, recycling and reduction.
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Education
Workshops, talks and activities to raise awareness about recycling and waste.
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Eco-crafts
Creative transformation of materials into valuable products, with CikloArtesanías.
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Value proposition
Triple impact on every route
Recycling with Ciklo generates social, environmental and economic value at the same time.
Social impact
We dignify the waste picker's trade: formalization, training and wellbeing for Bogotá's waste-picker families.
Environmental impact
Less waste to the Doña Juana landfill and more materials back into the production chain through recovery.
Economic impact
Fair, traceable commercialization that generates stable income for members and contributes to companies' ESG and SDG goals.
About us
Dignifying the waste picker's trade
In 2023, with hearts full of hope, the Familia Ciklo Waste Pickers Association was born. It arose from the urgent need to dignify and recognize the invaluable work of Bogotá's waste pickers, who with every piece of waste, paper and cardboard weave a more sustainable future.
- We dignify the waste picker's trade.
- We provide the public waste-recovery service.
- We lead inclusive circular economy. Together we are Ciklo!
Presence in the city
Our coverage in Bogotá
We are not an isolated initiative: we provide the public waste-recovery service across several districts of Bogotá, aligned with the District's sanitation scheme. Each area on the map represents waste-picker families, active routes and communities that separate at the source.
- Operations in multiple city districts
- Alignment with Bogotá's waste-recovery scheme
- Sorting and Recovery Station (ECA)
Transparency
A formal, verifiable association
We comply with Decree 1381 of 2024 and publish our legal documentation.
Decree 1381 of 2024
CCU Contract
Existence & legal rep.
Current RUT
We don't just collect recyclable materials: we are a movement committed to sustainability, environmental education and the empowerment of Bogotá's waste-picker families.
Familia Ciklo ESPWaste Pickers Association · Bogotá
Projects
Projects that leave a mark
Initiatives with which we take inclusive recycling beyond the route. (Section in preparation — pending real content).
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Project name 2
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Project name 3
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CikloArtesanías
From waste to purposeful product
With CikloArtesanías we give post-industrial materials a second life, turning them into useful and decorative pieces. Each product generates supplementary income for the community and shows, with tangible examples, the power of the circular economy.
- Products made from recovered material
- Design with purpose and sustainability
- Supplementary income for waste-picker families
Building together
Partners that transform
Collaboration is essential to maximize our impact.
We are an initiative backed by the SENA Entrepreneurship Fund (Fondo Emprender).
Blog & news
Our story, our impact
Circular economy
Waste pickers: the true guardians of the circular economy
Every day, waste pickers give value back to what others discard and sustain recovery in the city.
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Partnerships
Alliances that transform: when recycling unites purposes
Partnerships with companies and institutions multiply the social and environmental impact of our work.
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Community
Your role matters: citizens are key to inclusive recycling
Separating well at the source is the first link in fair, dignified and sustainable recycling.
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Learn to recycle
Separate well at the source
In Colombia, Resolution 2184 of 2019 unified the color code for separating waste at home. That's how you help us recover more!
White bag
Recoverable waste: paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metals, clean and dry.
Green bag
Organic recoverable waste: food and garden scraps.
Black bag
Non-recoverable waste: toilet paper, napkins and contaminated waste.
Source: Resolution 2184 of 2019 (Ministry of Environment), in force nationwide since 2021.
Frequently asked questions
We answer your questions
What is a waste picker (reciclador de oficio)?
This is the person who habitually recovers and reuses solid waste as a livelihood. In Colombia their work is recognized, and Decree 1381 of 2024 established the framework for their formalization as a provider of the public waste-recovery service.
What is the public waste-recovery service?
It is a complementary activity of the sanitation service that includes collecting recoverable waste separated at the source, its selective transport to a Sorting and Recovery Station (ECA), and its sorting and weighing (Decree 1381 of 2024).
How do I separate waste properly at home?
According to Resolution 2184 of 2019, in force nationwide since 2021: white bag for recoverables (paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metals), green for organics and black for non-recoverables. Hand over recoverables clean and dry.
Which materials do you recover?
Paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, metals and multi-material, among others. The cleaner and drier you hand them over, the better we can recover them.
Why is recycling important in Bogotá?
About 5,875 tonnes of waste arrive at the Doña Juana landfill every day (UAESP, 2024). Separating at the source and handing material to waste pickers reduces that load and returns valuable resources to the circular economy.
How do I request a collection route or become a partner?
Write to us via the contact form or WhatsApp, telling us your area (neighborhood, complex or company) and we'll coordinate. For companies, partnering contributes to your ESG goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Your support makes the difference
Partner with us, donate or follow us on social media: every gesture counts to recycle with dignity and care for our home. Together we create a sustainable life cycle for Bogotá.