Decent and sustainable work in a recyclable materials cooperative

Abstract

Objective: To show how the organization of recyclable materials collectors in a cooperative can contribute to the development of a sustainable economy, favoring the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Brazil and the realization of Decent Work. Methods: This is a qualitative, ethnographic study carried out in a recyclable materials cooperative. Initially, documents were examined to understand the historical data that motivated the organization of the cooperative. Interviews were then conducted with the cooperative’s management and workers. Results: The cooperative’s history began in the 2000s, based on an analysis of the working conditions of the dump’s waste pickers. The organization of these workers into a cooperative showed an improvement in working conditions. Conclusion: The organization of waste pickers into a cooperative has contributed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 1, 3, 5 and 10, by promoting social inclusion, sustainability and decent work, thus making the concept of Decent Work a reality.