The challenges of implementing the Brazilian Solid Waste Policy

The case of the Jardim Gramacho dump

Abstract

This paper analyzes the results of a qualitative research study carried out in 2016 with pickers of recyclable material from the Jardim Gramacho dump, located in Duque de Caxias City (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The objective was to understand the problems of these recyclable waste pickers. Although the National Solid Waste Policy determines that these workers are participants in the integrated management of solid waste to be developed by municipal governments, after its promulgation in August 2010, it has been observed that recyclable waste pickers remain stigmatized and excluded from social/labor benefits and rights. Despite the promise of the Government to guarantee socio-productive inclusion, after the closure of the dump, the income of the recyclable waste pickers decreased substantially and the work of collecting the recyclable waste became even more difficult, since the municipalities that destined their waste to the old dumps did not invest in selective collection. Several recommendations of the national policy that defend and guarantee support for the recyclable waste pickers were not enforced. We also identified that the main action of the Town Council of Rio de Janeiro aimed at solving the socio-environmental problem caused by the dump was the closure of that dump, with no concern for heeding the other recommendations contained in the law that would guarantee work and income for the pickers.