Precariousness and feminization of the work of collecting recyclable materials: consequences and challenges

Abstract

The result of research and extension with collectors from the old Codin dump, in Campos dos Goytacazes/RJ, closed in 2012, the article proposes to bring new data and analyzes about this group, highly vulnerable, even after the creation of the four Cooperatives, between 2015 and 2017. Cooperatives are achievements of the organization and protagonism of collectors, especially female collectors, for the recognition of their work, as well as their inclusion in local public solid waste policy. With this, we also intend to discuss the current difficulties of the work of cooperative collectors and their permanence in cooperatives. Recent research shows that women represent the majority of cooperative members, particularly black waste pickers who share activities in the cooperative with “care” activities. By not recognizing cooperatives as a place of collective work and autonomy for a historically stigmatized, racialized and neglected social group by public policies, local public authorities favor conservative and business initiatives, typical of the capitalist restructuring process also in force in solid waste policy. , especially in the context of the 2016 post-coup. Based on quantitative-qualitative research and participant observation, this work intends, based on dialogue with the reference bibliography, to problematize the current situation of Cooperatives, highlighting their profile, the problems and conflicts presented in the self-management process in a context of deepening neoliberalism and its impacts on the social reproduction of recyclable collectors in Campos dos Goytacazes/RJ.