The use of ICT in the informal recycling sector: The Brazilian case of Relix

Abstract

This paper aims to understand the uses of technology in the informal recycling sector. We investigated the case of Relix, in northeast Brazil. The Relix project consists of cultural and educational interventions that promote recyclable waste picking and provides a mobile application to connect the local population to waste pickers. Methodological procedures included semistructured interviews with different groups of stakeholders. We adopted the Multilevel and pluralistic conceptual framework to analyze the groups according to the use of technology and perceptions in which they live based on context, process, and content. Results demonstrate that although the mobile application (app) can help waste pickers and the population to connect, it cannot single-handedly promote any meaningful changes in the lives of people. Additional actions should be taken. This study has two important contributions. First, it describes how the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can improve working conditions and create more innovative and equitable environments. Second, it enriches the theoretical discussion on the use of technology in social practice and the advances of applying a theoretical framework in the context of informal recycling.