Abstract

VIRGEM, Maria Rejane Calheiros da; SENA, Tereza Raquel Ribeiro de  and  VARGAS, Marlizete Maldonado. Work in waste recycling cooperatives: social and environmental aspects according to the optic of members. Rev. Subj. [online]. 2014, vol.14, n.1, pp. 42-52. ISSN 2359-0769.

Since industrial revolution, the waste has changed in quantity and composition, becoming one of the great social and environmental problems of today. The consumption of disposable packaging products and the lack of areas for waste disposal sees in recycling an important alternative for that issue. The recycled waste separation activity has both environmental and socio-economic importance. This survey-type descriptive study aims to raise profile and conceptions of cooperative workers from a brazilian northeastern capital concerning his job/profession, health risks and their role about environmental preservation into their working community. The participants included 26 recyclable waste workers that operate in two cooperatives in Maceió city. The data collected through validated form indicates by qualitative and quantitative analysis that the subjects understand the social value of their work, contributing to its social inclusion as a means of survival and a way to make friends. With regards to environmental awareness, 63% of responses indicated the establishment of the relationship between activity and environmental protection. It turned out, however, that 69% are unaware of the term recycling. As for health risks, the cooperative recognize the lack of basic conditions and infrastructure in the cooperatives. It is suggested the development of public policies, environmental education and occupational health programs integrating the dimensions of the problem in its interfaces and rescuing the dignity of these workers.

Keywords : solid waste segregators; solid waste use; perception; attitude; social inclusion.

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