Gestão integrada de resíduos sólidos para geração de renda e valorização de catadores de materiais recicláveis organizados em associação, Campina Grande-PB.

Abstract

The solid waste generation sets up one of the most complex problems of today, because when not treated adequately generate negative impacts of social, environmental and economic. In the midst of this, there is the collector of recyclable materials, professional surviving collection of waste generated by society and suffering from prejudice and with poor working conditions. The integrated management of solid waste appears as one of the alternatives that can minimize the negative impacts caused by improper disposal of solid waste on the environment, and to improve the working conditions and lives of the pickers of recyclable materials. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the implementation of integrated management of solid waste in the neighborhood of Santa Rosa in the city of Campina Grande – PB as a tool for increasing income, autonomy and appreciation of recyclable material collectors organized in association. Participant observation was conducted from March to September 2012 and was based on the process of sensitization and training of collectors of recyclable materials associated with Association of Recyclable Material Collectors Community of Lady Aparecida (ARENSA), as well as previously registered families of Santa Rosa. During the survey the number of households that pass solid waste separated and cleaned the ARENSA increased from 41 to 78. In the same period the average weekly collected materials was increased from 116,7 kg to 155,7 kg by increasing the income of the collectors of recyclable materials from R$ 238,00 to R$ 293,00 monthlyl. The sensitization process delineated by the principles of environmental education meant that 100% of households participating in the collection of dry waste to maintain a relationship of friendship and trust with collectors of recyclable materials associated with ARENSA, changing the perception of the community about the work and one of these professionals. This change in perception by society and the process of training and awareness conducted with ARENSA, made 55% of associated correlating the importance of the profession to generate income, and 36% for professional development. The strategies related to integrated solid waste are in line with the Brazilian environmental legislation especially with laws: 12.305/10 (National Policy on Solid Waste), 6938/81 (National Environmental Policy), 9795/99 (National Policy Environmental Education), 11.445/2007 (National Sanitation Policy), 10.257/01 (Statute of Cities). Thus, implementation of integrated solid waste favored the improvement of environmental quality, promote environmental education, compliance with legislation, environmental and economic changes as well as increased income and recovery of recyclable material collectors ARENSA associated with operating in the neighborhood Santa Rosa, which they feel included in the social environment and are recognized as indispensable agents of environmental management. Moreover, contributed to the conservation of natural resources.