A contribuição de entidades de catadores de materiais recicláveis secos para a inclusão social e implementação da política nacional de resíduos sólidos: O caso de uma associação em Uberlândia, MG

Abstract

Introduction: The National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), established by Law No. 12.305/2010, set guidelines for the integrated management of solid waste, with perspectives of non generation, reduction, reuse, and recycling of solid waste. In a context where selective collection is not yet a predominant practice, it is possible that recyclable material collectors play a decisive role in the selection and collection of materials that can be recycled. The activity of collecting involves risks and factors that wear and tear on the health of these workers, which need to be measured when investigating both the contribution of the activity of collectors to the achievement of the objectives of the PNRS, and the possibilities of their social inclusion. Objective: To understand how the work of collectors contributes to the effectiveness of the National Solid Waste Policy and the social inclusion of these workers. As specific objectives, we sought to characterize the sociodemographic profile of recyclable material collectors linked to ARCA – Association of Recyclers and Autonomous Collectors; This study aimed to verify the working conditions and health risk factors of these workers from their perspective, as well as to analyze the waste pickers' views on their own activity and its importance for environmental preservation and conservation. Methodology: This is a qualitative-quantitative research study, whose data collection was based on the application of questionnaires to waste pickers linked to the institution. Quantitative data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and represented in graphs. Qualitative data were analyzed using Bardin's content analysis methodology. The results of this study were used to produce two articles: the first is a literature review contextualizing the process of developing and implementing solid waste management policies, with emphasis on the PNRS (National Solid Waste Policy), and analyzing the role attributed to waste picker organizations in current legislation. The second article explored the data obtained through the application of questionnaires among recyclable material collectors. Final Considerations: The PNRS (National Solid Waste Policy) has better defined the guidelines for solid waste treatment in Brazil, in addition to establishing clear responsibilities and prerogatives for different actors – civil society, government agencies, private sector – at the three levels of the federation – municipal, state, and federal. Waste picker organizations, whether associations or cooperatives, are included in the current legislation on solid waste management as fundamental actors in the process, and in practice, in many municipalities, they are primarily responsible for the recyclable material collected. However, the financing conditions, financial viability, and remuneration of waste pickers are still very heterogeneous, depending on variables such as the degree of partnership between waste picker organizations and universities, public bodies, private companies, etc. The waste pickers who participated in the research recognize that they play an important role in the recycling chain, but still experience precarious working conditions, poor remuneration, and exposure to health risks, for example.