Impacts of Covid-19 on organized waste pickers in selected municipalities in the State of São Paulo

Impactos del Covid-19 en los recicladores de materiales reciclables organizados en municipios seleccionados en el Estado de São Paulo

Abstract

This study, carried out with waste picker organizations in 32 municipalities in the State of São Paulo, seeks to analyze the impacts of the pandemic (Covid-19) on their activities, including measures taken by the government and other actors, in order to alleviate the impacts resulting from the crisis. Our theoretical framework discusses the relationships between social movements and public policies. Organized waste pickers provide selective collection services, interacting with different levels of government in situations of collaboration and conflict, with frequent collective actions seeking improvements. Bibliographic research and application of questionnaires inform about the interactions of waste pickers, showing structural and systemic problems, highlighting their demands as a social movement.

Keywords:
Waste pickers, social movements; solid waste management; public policy; Covid-19