Gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos urbanos por cooperativas e associações de catadores de materiais recicláveis: o caso de uma associação situada no município de Cruz das Almas - BA

Abstract

Currently solid waste have gained increasing concern social movements, researchers and government itself regarding impacts to the environment. Several forms of treatment have been launched to address this problem, among these, the recycling of materials, considered important for the return of goods to the production cycle. It is in this scenario that arise cooperatives and associations of recyclable materials as an alternative to minimize the damage to natural resources caused by the excess of such waste, in addition, are considered a source of employment and income for the professionals working in the area. Thus, this work aims at assessing the contributions of an Association of Recyclable Materials located in Cruz das Almas - Bahia in the management of municipal solid waste. For this, the methodology included a literature search on the subject proposal, desk research to collect information about the Association and the field research, the application of two distinct and structured questionnaires with open and closed questions performed with the associated and residents of two neighborhoods in the city. Furthermore, observations in routine, organization and working conditions inside the shed sorting were made. In the survey data it was revealed that the Association has collected in the city about 109 tons of solid waste were distributed at 11.9 in 2010; 25 in 2011; 32.5 in 2012 and 26.5 in 2013. By August 2014, 13.1 tons of recyclables have been collected. It was found that since 2010 the Association has been accompanied by the Entrepreneurial Incubator Solidarity Federal University of Reconcavo of Bahia and has the support of that perform various actions such as mobilization and sensitization of the local community to the issue of proper disposal of solid waste. The results of these actions culminated in the implementation of selective collection in two districts, and public and private schools of Cruz das Almas establishments, contributing to the waste arriving in greater quality and quantity in the shed. In relation to research conducted in the districts, it was found that 45% and 70% of the Coplan residents and Inocoop respectively, participate in recycling programs. Among the materials most segregated by residents stands out the plastic. According to the residents of the neighborhoods Association plays an important role in raising awareness and environmentally appropriate disposal of waste generated in households. Thus, the model of solid waste management in the Association has as a main objective environmental education in the community, focused on social awareness and the search for community involvement in the actions of selective collection, which directly contributes to environmental preservation and socioeconomic viability of the enterprise.