Layout interno e condições de trabalho em galpões de triagem de materiais recicláveis em municípios de pequeno porte

Abstract

Urban solid waste represents a challenging topic on the environmental public policy agenda. Selective collection is a tool to encourage the reduction, reuse and separation of material for recycling. Of the stages that precede recycling, sorting stands out the most, due to the greater generation of work and income. In this context, the present research is inserted with the objective of verifying the conditions of physical structures, working conditions, equipment used and layout of the existing sorting sheds in the consortium municipalities and identifying the difficulties faced by collectors in the sorting sheds. Methodologically, this is a quantitative and field study whose data collection took place through semi-structured interviews and on-site observations. Also, the SWOT matrix was used as a method to identify the strengths and weaknesses related to the sorting sheds. The results obtained showed that the structure of the sheds is usually precarious and there is no control over the efficiency of the system and evaluation of the quality of the activities developed, preventing the implementation of improvements. A low use of personal protective equipment by workers was verified, being susceptible to several risks. Seven of the ten municipalities have the minimum equipment for the development of activities, however, most of them are not in operation. Support facilities such as kitchens and toilets were observed only in two municipalities. In addition, the study identified the need for municipalities to reassess public policies and environmental management as a whole. It was concluded that, despite the institution of the PNRS, the waste sector in these places still operates in inadequate conditions, mainly referring to the structural conditions of the sheds and working conditions, representing the reality of small municipalities.