Socio-productive Inclusion of Waste Pickers on Segregated Solid Waste Collection in Brazilian Universities as an Instrument for Sustainability Promotion

Abstract

In Brazil, recyclable waste pickers play a fundamental role in recycling. Despite their importance, the environmental contribution of such work for society is not well recognized by different stakeholders. Waste pickers are often excluded from many segregated solid waste collection systems, they are socially marginalized, and work in precarious conditions. In this context, Brazilian universities face a challenge when it comes to the management of large amounts of recyclable solid waste generated in their campuses. As universities are committed to promoting sustainability, they play a central role in fomenting recyclable waste management and environmental conservation. In that context, waste pickers social and productive inclusion presents an opportunity to promote sustainable development in the academic environment. Additionally, Brazilian federal universities are obliged by law to destine their recyclable material to waste pickers. Considering that, the Brazilian Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) experience on implementation of segregated solid waste collection with socio-productive inclusion of waste pickers is presented in this article. In order to achieve a recyclable waste management model, UFSC was used as a living laboratory. It is hoped that the UFSC experience can inspire other universities and disseminate sustainable development practices related to waste management and the inclusion of waste pickers as key players of such system.