In-depth reports and analysis from our extensive network of correspondents throughout the region on the most important developments in Latin America. Maria Ibañez has been sorting recyclable materials in Quito for twelve years. At first she worked alone and then joined forces with other recyclers. It was a great day for Maria when thirty recycling organizations were recognized in a historic meeting last March 18 by Ecuador's President Rafael Correa as environmental actors. A discussion was held in which credits to improve recycling infrastructure, a minimum wage for recyclers and social security were mentioned as future steps to assure greater social inclusion for the approximately 3,000 recyclers in Ecuador. Out of 245,000 tons of trash discarded in 2014, 122,500 tons were sorted and recuperated by recyclers. They have agreed on the need for more recycling centers and improved infrastructure for receiving materials in order to continue to make an important contribution to society. teleSUR