SOCIAL ORGANIZATION OF RECYCLABLE WASTE PICKERS AND THEIR CHALLENGERS

Abstract

There is a vast theoretical discussion about the social organization of recyclable materials collectors groups, but few advances are perceived in practice. Many are the challenges to be faced to keep the group together around a common project. The objective of this article is to approach the experience lived with the group of recyclable materials collectors in the city of Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and the challenges faced in trying to have a social organization, in a solidarity economy system, drawing a parallel with the literature. The methodological basis used was the humanistic geography focused on perception. As a result of the project, many benefits were perceived by the collectors, however, they were not enough to reduce the turnover of collectors in the venture. The short period of the pilot project (3 years) may have contributed so that the changes suffered so much resistance from participants.