Recycling programs in partnership with scavenger associations as a sustainability factor in Metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate waste recycling programs in partnership with scavenger associations in Metropolitan São Paulo, to verify their social, economic, sanitary, and environmental impacts in a sustainability perspective. Methods included bibliographical and data research and structured interviews with representatives of 39 municipalities. The analysis of factors responsible for program continuity was undertaken. It was found that among 39 municipalities, 23 (59%) have developed official recycling programs, 19 in partnership with scavenger associations. Indicators analysed showed that the programs resulted in social, and economic gains for scavengers, increased social capital and they contributed to the reduction of waste destined for landfills. However, there are competition factors that have been threatening the continuity of those programs.

Developing Communal Recycling Programs to Empower Reclaimers in Developing Cities Such as Tshwane

“…Only 6.4% of Brazilian municipalities have official waste recycling programs. The recovery of recyclable material is largely left to reclaimers, who earn a living by collecting recyclables and selling them to private recycling companies [11].…”

“…As only a few cities have programs in place for the collection of recyclable material, reclaimers turn out to be the only alternative for those who want to recycle their waste [11]. A recycling cooperative is an industrial cooperative, co-owned and maintained by workers, and specializes in the recycling of MSW fractions.…”

Resíduos sólidos no contexto da saúde ambiental.

“…WIEBECK et al, 1995a;WIEBECK et al, 1995b;GÜNTHER et al, 1998. Embora os programas municipais de coleta seletiva estejam sendo implantados enquanto política pública de inclusão social e geração de emprego e renda, pouco se tem feito no sentido de avaliar a eficiência e sustentabilidade dessas iniciativas. BRINGHENTI et al, 2003a;BRINGHENTI et al, 2003b;BRINGHENTI et al, 2003c;BRINGHENTI et al, 2003d;BRINGHENTI et al, 2004a;BRINGHENTI et al, 2004b;BRINGHENTI et al, 2004c;BRINGHENTI et al, 2005a;BRINGHENTI et al, 2005b;BRINGHENTI et al, 2005c;BRINGHENTI et al, 2007. Nos RIBEIRO et al, 2006a;BESEN et al, 2008. Artigo foi publicado em periódico: RIBEIRO et al, 2006b e diversos trabalhos foram apresentados e publicados em anais de eventos: GÜNTHER et al, 2006a;GÜNTHER et al, 2006b;JACOBI et al, 2006;RIBEIRO e GÜNTHER, 2006;BESEN et al, 2007.…”