O Papel das cooperativas de reciclagem na implementação da Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos: estudo de caso em duas cooperativas do município de Belém (PA)

Abstract

In recent times, one of the greatest challenges facing municipal management is finding viable solutions for solid waste management and, from this perspective, cooperatives of recyclable material collectors are included, as proposed by the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS) - Law no. 12,305, of August 2, 2010. The municipality of Belém (PA) currently has ten associations and/or cooperatives of recyclable material collectors. This context includes the Filhos do Sol Cooperative and the Belém Selective Collectors Work Cooperative (ACCSB), which are the subject of this study. The participation of recycling cooperatives is fundamental to the implementation of PNRS, although they are often neglected by municipal management. It is intended, within the limits of this study, to answer the following question. What are the structural and/or organizational obstacles that prevent or hinder the expansion of recyclable materials cooperatives? In order to answer this question, the main objective of the research is to identify the obstacles that limit the expansion of cooperatives and how to overcome them. The methodology adopted will be exploratory in nature, with a qualitative and quantitative approach. As results of qualitative and quantitative research, it was found that the process of implementing public policies for recyclable collectors constitutes a highly complex, transversal and comprehensive task, with a long path that needs to be systematic, continuous and aligned with strategic planning of municipal public management. It should be noted that the Cataforte and Pró-Catador projects were decisive for the socioeconomic inclusion of recyclable material collectors. It is noted that it was possible to identify projects and actions aimed at waste picker organizations, although the remuneration for the daily services provided to society and the municipality are still far from guaranteeing their sustainability. It is noteworthy that cooperatives that do not have formal registration, that is, are not regularized with the competent bodies, present difficulties when selling recyclables. The quantitative data identified that the percentage of female collectors is (55%), which reflects the national average, which corresponds to (56%). It is noteworthy that cooperatives do not yet have the economic and financial sustainability to be competitive in the recycling market. Finally, the need for an action plan aimed at providing improvements in the work of cooperatives was identified.