This chapter examines the effects of community resilience and collective environmental action on the lives of recyclers in Portoviejo, Ecuador, from the perspectives of political ecology and community-environmental psychology. It analyzes their working conditions, characterized by environmental, health, and socio-economic risks, as well as situations of violence, and explores the role of place identity and risk perception as moderators in the relationship between community resilience and collective environmental action. The research was conducted through a quantitative, cross-sectional study involving a sample of 60 recyclers belonging to the association ASOSERJEBRE. The findings indicate that community resilience strengthens collective environmental action, but high levels of perceived risk and low place identity weaken the community’s organizational capacity. Additionally, recycling families resort to adaptation mechanisms, accepting harsh living conditions such as overcrowding and difficulties accessing fundamental rights, including food, drinking water, housing, education, and healthcare services. This chapter contributes to the analysis of solid waste management by providing evidence to guide public policies toward a more inclusive and participatory approach. Such policies should consider not only socio-environmental risks but also strengthen territorial ties, the sense of belonging, and the impacts on health as key elements to enhance collective responses in contexts of high vulnerability.