Position in the organization: President
Proposed position: Treasurer
Seconders organization from the region: União Nacional de Catadores e Catadoras de Materiais Recicláveis (Unicatadores) and Unión de Trabajadores de Desechos Sólidos Industrializables “Lázaro Cárdenas del Río” del Estado de Guanajuato A.C.
Alternate seconder organization:
Profile:
Soledad Mella became involved in the world of recycling out of economic necessity more than 20 years ago. Born in the Lo Hermida Town, in Santiago de Chile, she is the daughter of peasant parents and the youngest of seven siblings, and has three children and three grandchildren. “The economic situation in my country in the nineties was not very good. What my husband earned was not enough for us,” she recalls.
“I decided to go out to find a way to contribute to the household expenses. I started by collecting some waste such as glass from bottles; metals, especially copper, bronze and aluminum; and the cellulose found in books, magazines and cardboard. Taking those materials to the fair, where I worked as a colera (that’s what informal workers are called in Chile),” she noted. Today, her entire family is dedicated to recycling.
Throughout her career, Mella has participated in different social organizations to fight against inequality and injustice. Today she is 53 years old and a leader of the National Association of Recyclers Chile (ANARCH), in addition to being part of the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Recyclers (Red LACRE) and the International Alliance of Recyclers.
Soledad Mella, as leader of the Red LACRE, participates on behalf of Chile in the communications secretariat, developing functions together with Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. In 2022, Soledad integrated the project to strengthen national movements of waste pickers, supporting Costa Rica and Panama. In 2023 Soledad Mella was appointed by Red-Lacre as the official spokesperson of Latin America and the Caribbean for the plastics treaty, developing an active participation in the negotiation processes of INC 1, INC 2 and INC 3. IN 2024 Soledad was elected representative at the Latin American level in the methane reduction project by the foundation Global Methane Hub.
Motivation:
Introduction: I appear before you with the firm conviction that I am prepared to assume the important position within the International Alliance of Waste Pickers. I fully trust in my leadership capacity, which has been developed through my experience in Chile, where together with my board of directors we transformed a movement of local recyclers into a national Association, promoting the formation of 32 work cooperatives.
Experience and achievements: My participation as a member of the Red-Lacre secretaries has allowed me to lead strengthening processes in Caribbean countries. At the same time, as a member of the Global Alliance, I have had the opportunity to participate in negotiations at the UNEA in favor of the rights of recyclers.
Motivation and objectives: My application is based on the deep conviction of seeking the strengthening and organization of recyclers on each continent. I aspire to work alongside my colleagues to achieve true recognition of the profession by states and civil society. I will advocate for fee-for-service and true inclusion in EPR processes through a just transition. At all times, my goal will be to defend the interests of recyclers, representing and defending their trade with passion and commitment.
Proposals:
As part of the international directive, I commit to:
Establish advances in areas of technological, logistical and infrastructure improvements for recyclers, especially in those countries that are in a more backward stage of development.
Promote cooperation and exchange of experiences between different waste picker organizations at an international level.
Strengthen the political advocacy of the Alliance at a global level, advocating for public policies that recognize and support the work of recyclers.
Guarantee the active and democratic participation of all members of the Alliance in decision-making.
Conclusion: I am sure that, with my experience, commitment and leadership, I can contribute significantly to strengthening the International Alliance of Waste Pickers. I appreciate your time and consideration, and I look forward to having the opportunity to serve this important organization.