Tecnologias sociais para catadores de materiais recicláveis

Abstract

The waste pickers are professionals, commonly excluded from society and humans, although they are considered essential to the effectiveness of the integrated management of solid wastes by researchers and environmentalists. These professionals often perform daily activities in unsanitary conditions and without equipment that enhance the work of scavenging. The development and provision of social technologies can configure how timely strategy to change this scenario. In this perspective, the present study aimed to develop, investigate and implement technologies that optimize the collection, transport and segregation of solid waste collected by waste pickers associated with ARENSA (Association of collectors of recyclable materials from the community Nossa Senhora Aparecida) in Campina Grande-PB. The participant and experimental research was carried out from January 2013 to July 2014, with seven collectors of recyclable materials associated with ARENSA. At first run was surveying the conditions of the technologies used by the pickers of recyclable materials, to further develop, investigate and implement technologies for collection, transport and sorting of waste, considering the principle of social technology and ergonomic parameters. Two vehicles for collection and transportation of waste collected and sorting a table, three technologies were developed. The vehicles were developed based on the need of the group, respecting the ergonomic shape parameters that reduce the physical effort throughout the workday, through the deployment of appropriate wheels, braking system and safety items, toiletries kit, optimization of work , using apertures that facilitate the entry and exit of materials and fit the receptor for screening table, avoiding the physical wear. The empty vehicle weighs 86 kg with a capacity to transport 180 kg of waste, representing 39% increase in monthly income, comparing to the same period of 2013 (January-May). The receiving table was made of durable and lightweight, collapsible material, due to lack of physical space, with measures tailored to users. Holds six workers while doing screening of up to 360 kg of waste at once. The technologies of transport and sorting of solid waste study allowed better working conditions, reduce negative impacts on health, contributed to the increase in the monthly income of recyclable materials associated with ARENSA and favored the gathering and sorting of more waste (12%) . Therefore, it is essential to invest in targeted for professional practice of recyclable materials in order to facilitate the realization of the National Policy on Integrated Management of Solid Waste and socioeconomic integration of waste pickers social technologies.