Chapter 15 - The role of the informal sector on e-waste management: a case study from Brazil

Abstract

Waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) is a growing waste fraction that contains precious, base, and critical metals, as well as hazardous materials. The presence of valuable materials in WEEE piques the interest of informal workers in developing countries, who collect WEEE, separate target metals, and sell them to formal recyclers. The presence of hazardous materials on e-waste, on the other hand, may endanger both human health and the environment if sorting, recovery, and disposal operations are carried out in an uncontrolled environment by untrained workers. The importance of the informal sector in waste management in Brazil is recognized by the National Solid Waste Policy, which encourages the formation of waste picker cooperatives and associations. Furthermore, the work of collectors of reusable and recyclable materials has been recognized as a professional activity by the Brazilian Ministry of Labor and Employment since 2002. Nonetheless, much work remains to be done to ensure the safety and inclusion of such workers, particularly when dealing with hazardous waste. This chapter examines waste pickers’ participation in WEEE management in Brazil, taking current practices and legislation into account. Data were gathered from the literature as well as through questionnaires distributed to members of waste picker associations. The viewpoint of waste pickers was discussed, and alternatives for including them in WEEE collection, sorting, and processing were evaluated.