Colombian influencer promotes recycling and waste picker visibility

Colombian influencer Sara Samaniego, known as "Marce, the recycler," is making a difference in recycling awareness. On February 26, 2025, she shared her passion for waste sorting with her 500,000 Instagram followers while filming at a recycling warehouse in Bogota. Samaniego wears blue overalls and a baseball cap, showing her support for the 74,000 waste pickers in Colombia. The country lacks public recycling services, relying instead on informal workers who sort through garbage for reusable materials. These individuals play a critical role in environmental efforts, often facing dangerous conditions and low pay. In Bogota, a city of eight million, approximately 9,000 tons of waste is generated each day, with only 17% recycled, similar to New York. Many waste pickers, like Mary Luz Torres and Pedro Talero, brave traffic and tough conditions to earn a living. Despite facing social stigma, they seek recognition for their important work. The Colombian government recently supported waste pickers by granting them a 15-year monopoly on recycling. President Gustavo Petro stated that this could help lift people out of poverty and improve their dignity while emphasizing their environmental contributions. Samaniego's background in communications led her to become an environmental influencer, focusing on real issues in a light-hearted way. She has gained popularity, receiving numerous inquiries and invitations for public speaking. Samaniego also gives back by raising funds for equipment and leisure trips for recyclers, highlighting her commitment to making a positive impact.