Desenvolvimento social e direitos trabalhistas: a realidade dos catadores de materiais recicláveis

Abstract

This dissertation examines the activities of recyclable material pickers within the context of social development, Brazil’s National Solid Waste Policy, and reverse logistics, focusing on the municipality of Itajubá, Minas Gerais. Situated within the contemporary debate on sustainability and social justice, the study highlights the essential role played by these workers in the management of urban solid waste, in contrast to the persistent precariousness of their working conditions and the insufficiency of legal and social protection. The research is guided by the following questions: what is the factual situation experienced by recycling workers in the municipality of Itajubá–MG? Do these workers maintain any form of employment relationship with local associations? Which public policies could be implemented to ensure social protection compatible with the environmental, economic, and social relevance of their work? The general objective is to analyze the working conditions of recyclable material pickers in order to assess the legal classification of their activity. The specific objectives are: to understand, through field research, the daily practices of these workers and the main challenges they face; to examine whether their activity may be framed within the labor categories provided for under Brazilian labor legislation; and to propose public policies aimed at expanding their social protection, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), No. 10 (Reduced Inequalities), No. 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and No. 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative-descriptive approach, based on semi-structured interviews, combined with bibliographic review and analysis of legal instruments and scientific literature. The findings indicate that, although these workers play a fundamental role in reverse logistics and in advancing environmental agendas, their activities are predominantly carried out under conditions of informality, precariousness, and social vulnerability. In the investigated context, it was found that recyclable material pickers generally do not maintain formal employment relationships with local associations and are classified as self-employed workers, which limits their effective access to labor rights and social security. Furthermore, the study shows that waste picking is not a transitional activity but rather a long-term survival strategy, characterized by extended work trajectories, exposure to health risks, economic instability, and dependence on intermediaries for the commercialization of recyclable materials. The research reveals a structural contradiction between environmental sustainability discourses and the social reality of these workers, who remain largely invisible despite their significant contribution to reinserting materials into productive chains. The analysis of the Sustainable Development Goals indicates a disconnect between progress in environmental agendas and the effective promotion of social rights, such as decent work and the reduction of inequalities. Finally, the study proposes the implementation of public policies focused on fair remuneration for the environmental services provided, the development of adequate infrastructure for the activity, the establishment of worker health policies integrated into the public health system, and the promotion of institutional recognition, environmental education, and participation of these workers in municipal decision-making processes, as essential measures to overcome the cycle of invisibility and social exclusion.