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Grupo Ciudad Saludable




Dr. Albina Ruiz
President

About Dr. Albina Ruiz

About Dr. Albina Ruiz

Albina Ruiz founded Ciudad Saludable 20 years ago to combat health and environmental problems caused by inefficient government-run garbage collection practices in Peru and rampant illegal dumping that was causing environmental deterioration and ground water contamination. Ruiz traced the problem to the municipalities that were failing to collect the funds necessary to maintain the waste disposal infrastructure. Ciudad Saludable provided initial funding for community members to become micro-entrepreneurs in charge of the garbage collection, which also created employment opportunities. Today, Ruiz oversees community-managed waste collection projects in 20 cities across Peru, employs more than 150 people and serves over 3 million residents. Ruiz is fellow of Ashoka, Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, Avina, and the Skoll Foundation.



Country:  Peru
Region:  South America

Mission:  

To improve the quality of life of the poor through efficient solid waste management, resulting in cleaner cities and also creating jobs.


Sector:  Spotlight on Environment / Waste Management and Recycling
Year Founded:  2001
Website:  Grupo Ciudad Saludable

Description:  

Ciudad Saludable develops projects globally for integrated solid waste management with the social and economic inclusion of waste pickers. We are an organization formed by people committed to sustainable development. We have vast experience in the design, management, implementation and evaluation of projects. We develop technologies, systematizations, research and technical applications of innovative systems and skills for environmental and social management. Ciudad Saludable works in collaboration with grassroots organizations, public entities and private enterprises in Peru and other countries in Latin America. Ciudad Saludable practices and encourages commitment, service, solidarity, social equity, respect, transparency, and ethics both at the professional and moral levels. Ciudad Saludable has won the Dubai Award for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment, Global Development Network Award, Globe Energy Award, Global Fairness Initiative Award, Bravo Latin Trade Award, RSA's Albert Medal Prize.


Social Impact:  

 

  • Amount of recyclable material recuperated by recyclers: 292,637 (tons/year)
  • Organization of waste collectors: 11,500 people
  • Number of formalized recyclers: 6,500 people
  • Sales value of recyclables per year: USD 18.5 million
  •  Wage of waste collector employees (former waste pickers: up to two times the minimum wage (USD 180-260 per month)

 



Grupo Ciudad Saludable