Os catadores de materiais recicláveis de Picuí – PB e a problemática socioambiental do lixo.

Abstract

The final disposal of solid residues is one of the main global issues in view of the environmental degradation which they cause when not handle appropriately. Thus, its increasing volume caused by high rates of consumption and the lack of conscience by the people and government. In addition to the lack of management it is becoming more and more significant the presence of people collecting recyclable materials on the street and in garbage dumps. Starting from this problematic, the Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos promotes the creation and development of cooperatives for inclusion of theses collectors, their work organization and awareness of general population. The present study aimed to understand the work of collectors of recyclable materials from Picuí, by using the oral history and seeking to know about their working conditions, types of collected material, purchase and sale, and the collector knowledge about the importance of this work and its relation with environment. Interviews were conducted with collectors from the streets and the old dump, today a secure landfill, and with scrap dealers in the region. The street and garbage dumps collectors do not have any kind of organization, work individually and have some awareness about the importance of his work to environmental preservation.