Instituições públicas e os resíduos sólidos urbanos: o caso dos catadores de materiais recicláveis unidos do Bairro (Acuba)

Abstract

This study seeks to revisit the debate of the potential recyclable material’s management from the case of the association of recyclable material ACUBA, located in Curitiba-PR. Initially, the actions from the public power for recyclable material’s management in Curitiba-PR were reconstructed. The role and forms of participation from the collectors association on the solid waste management process. Characteristics, hierarchies and behaviors from the work organization on the ACUBA were identified. An organization chart and a flow were drawn up of the organization of the waste management and the contribution of the collectors association in the process of collecting, sorting and selling. The program “Reciclagem e Inclusão Total – Ecocidadão”, directed by the “Secretaria Municipal de Meio Ambiente” of Curitiba-PR has contributed to the social inclusion of the waste collectors policies. However, the inclusion measures are not sufficient to change the vulnerability state of the exercise of this kind of work, the discrimination on the personal personal treatment, the lack of respect and the risk of accidents. Those contradictions are being worked on projects, products, programs, techniques methodologies in Curitiba-PR, which aim to minimize the conditions of precariousness and informality in the work.