Ecopontos da área urbana de uberlândia (MG): a percepção socioambiental pelas lentes dos trabalhadores

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The rapid increase in cities has meant that the areas available for waste disposal have become scarce. Dirt accumulated in the environment has increased soil and water pollution and worsened the health conditions of populations in much of the world, especially in less developed regions. Ecopoints aim to reduce inappropriate waste disposal considering that they are places that function as a voluntary delivery point for solid waste. Examples of authorized waste are: bricks, blocks, tiles, covering boards, mortar, concrete, pipes, plastics, paper/cardboard, metals, glass, wood, tree pruning, recyclables, sofas, cabinets, sinks and toilets. JUSTIFICATION: Given the socio-environmental concern, this study is justified by the need to preserve the environment and promote health in the population, as it is clear that there are still inadequate disposals of solid waste in geographic spaces, in the urban area of the municipality of Uberlândia, State of Minas Gerais. The study, then, is scientifically justified, since there is a National Solid Waste Policy, governed by Law No. 12,305 of August 2, 2010, which, among other purposes, determines the protection of public health and environmental quality. OBJECTIVE: To understand the perception of workers at Ecopoints, in the urban area of the city of Uberlândia, regarding the behavior of the population when using them. METHODOLOGY: This is an ethnographic, qualitative study with field research using a questionnaire, with questions asked of workers at Ecopoints in the urban area of the municipality of Uberlândia. CONCLUSION: The educational process is not an instant solution, but, over time, it will have positive effects. It is necessary to take care of our Ecopoints, as they are places where we can deposit waste such as paper, plastics, metals, glass, tires, wood, Styrofoam, plaster, green masses from tree pruning, civil construction waste and furniture unsuitable for use, among others. In this way, it will be possible to reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfill, providing it with a longer useful life, as well as preserving the environment, by not generating solid waste in inappropriate locations, the so-called critical points, which are: roadsides, squares, vacant lots and sidewalks. Furthermore, it will also reduce the proliferation of pathogenic agents that cause diseases; a classic example is the proliferation of Aedes aegypti on tires and poorly packaged objects. Therefore, according to the workers, there is still a long way to go for Ecopoints to adequately fulfill their roles, in this network of devices that contribute to public and collective health.