Arquivos Brasileiros de Psicologia
On-line version ISSN 1809-5267
Abstract
ARANTES, Bruno Otávio and BORGES, Livia de Oliveira. Recyclable Materials Collector: productive chain and precarious conditions. Arq. bras. psicol. [online]. 2013, vol.65, n.3, pp.319-337. ISSN 1809-5267.
In the Brazilian labor market, there are sectors in which remains a series of precarious jobs including scavenging for recyclables. This research planned to identify the productive chain of recycling and the challenges of those working conditions, to situate the activity of picking in the work market and to understand this activity. The research was developed through documental research, participant observation and a sociodemographic questionnaire was administered as well. Among the results, the following aspects were observed: the recycling supply chain favors the flattening of the materials price and individuals income; there is still a very incipient use of technologies; the pickers are exposed to extended work shifts and to risks to their health; and among the workers predominate low education and income levels. The results point to the maintenance of the cycle of activity in disrepair.
Keywords : Collector´s recyclable materials; Documental research; Work market.