A Perspective of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Plastic Waste Management and Cooperatives of Waste Pickers in Brazil

Lais R. Lima (), Rafaela F. Gutierrez and Sandra A. Cruz
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Lais R. Lima: Federal University of São Carlos - UFSCar
Rafaela F. Gutierrez: University of Toronto
Sandra A. Cruz: Federal University of São Carlos - UFSCar

Circular Economy and Sustainability, 2022, vol. 2, issue 3, 903-913

Abstract: Abstract Brazil is the fourth largest producer of plastic waste in the world. Among all the challenges the country had faced in the development of public policies for the banning of single-use plastics, the new coronavirus pandemic scenario determined the suspension of these laws indefinitely. In 2020, Brazil became the global epicenter of COVID-19. This scenario changed the habit and behavior of Brazilian consumers, who increased the consumption of plastics due to their importance in applications as protective material. The country also has social problems related to waste management that depend mainly on waste pickers. These workers need social visibility and protection not only to face the current health crisis but also to guarantee their income and survival. This work aims to discuss the increase in single-use plastics that are not intended for recycling and the respective environmental, economic, and social impacts for the country. We demonstrate the lack of data on waste management in Brazil and highlight the importance of the social inclusion of waste pickers for a circular economy. Especially after the change of scenario with the COVID-19 pandemic, the country must have adequate planning and improvements in waste management, recycling programs, and political intervention to raising awareness among the population and guaranteeing social rights for waste pickers.

Keywords: Brazil; Waste management; Plastic; Waste pickers; COVID-19 pandemic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1007/s43615-021-00130-0

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