COOPERATIVAS DE CATADORAS E CATADORES DE MATERIAIS RECICLÁVEIS E O DESAFIO DA COMERCIALIZAÇÃO DAS EMBALAGENS PLÁSTICAS

Abstract

The work of the recuclable waste pickers, informal or organized in enterprises, represents a fundamental link for the sustainability of the recycling production chain, being responsible for 90% of the waste sent to industries of recycling, and for the economic and social development of Brazil. However, there are problems that make it difficult to recognize and implement, including what concerns some plastic packaging, which has zero or inefficient reverse logistics. With the objective of elaborating reflections and propositions so that this waste pick work can be carried out with better general conditions, with emphasis on the problem of plastic packaging, a narrative review was conducted and observations of the authors' experiences were incorporated. The existence of large amounts of plastic waste stored without commercialization is revealed, demanding different actions on three main fronts: 1) in the social movement of the category; 2) in implementing the guidelines of the National Solid Waste Policy; and 3) in the contracting of waste pickers enterprises by the municipal government with adequate payment for the services provided. It is expected to contribute to the improvement of existing policies and actions, encourage those already in progress, and encourage the implementation of others that contribute to the improvement of the reality presented.