Introduction.

In Asunción there is a geographic area called Bañados. They make up the so-called “poverty belts”, where informal work is laid down as the main means of support. The job of recycling is one of the most performed informal jobs.

Aims.

To report aspects of the area where collection workers go about their lives. Incorporate elements of positive new meaning about the recycling work to organized or disorganized women recyclers from Bañado Sur in the city of Asunción, Paraguay.

Methods.

In total 28 meetings were held with 153 women grouped into seven groups, during the period from 2019 to 2022. The sample was selected by convenience. The “workshop” modality was chosen due to the practices already known and accepted by the community.

Results.

Garbage or urban waste could be classified together in its organic/inorganic/toxic categories but also in a classification more akin to its specific reality. Family and community relationships, concerns for children, climate change, floods, precarious housing, access to water, insecurity in the neighbourhood and drug problems in the community were all identified.

Conclusion.

The sessions were held with organized women recyclers, members of a civil organization residing in Bañado Sur - Tacumbú, Asunción, Paraguay. During the process, it was possible to bring together the groups of women who were able to take part in the experience, a positive new meaning for work and their role in society, by means of dialogue.

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