The production of solid waste is characterized as one of the major urban environmental problems in developing countries. In Brazil, one of the solutions is to encourage and promote recyclable materials cooperatives, supported... [ view full abstract ]
The production of solid waste is characterized as one of the major urban environmental problems in developing countries. In Brazil, one of the solutions is to encourage and promote recyclable materials cooperatives, supported by the National Plan for Solid Waste (PNRS) and linked to “Pro-Catador” Program. In these environments, waste pickers are fundamental for regional management, collecting, separating and reusing waste. However, they are living in precarious work situations. This study aimed to characterize the working environment in a recycling cooperative in the state of Paraná, southern Brazil. The main environmental problems were identified through the observation technique, based on five items related to environmental and quality of life factors of the Environmental Impacts Manual. Among the results, highlights the degradation of the economic value of the place, the lack of community collaboration in the separation of household waste, the presence of perforating materials or contaminants and produce odors. Such conditions identified reflect the precariousness of the environment and potential impact on environmental health. When considering the main difficulties, such as the presence of vectors of disease, strong odors and sharp materials, we can see the insufficiency of public policies and programs in promoting the correct separation of materials. A precarious physical structure also implies the risk of contamination of the soil, since the remnants of organic materials tend to flow indirectly. There is a lack of systemic and interdisciplinary analysis, focused on the process of the production chain and guaranteeing a commitment to sustainability, which has negative impacts on the work environment of the collectors. Emphasis is placed on the need for joint actions between public authorities and the community, as well as encouraging communication campaigns and environmental education, aiming at promoting worker's quality of life in cooperatives of recyclable materials and, at the same time, environmental preservation.
welfare; human health; waste management; selective collection
6b. Urban and rural development
