Local development and possibilities of a circular economy from a cooperative of recyclable collectors

Abstract

The development of modern society in large urban centers is linked to a consumption system that is loaded with territorial, political and socio-environmental problems. Since Brazil is considered the fourth greatest generator of solid waste in the world, the importance of strategic actions coming from public and private sectors and civil society that aim for better conditions in the management and valorization of this waste are highlighted. In the face of this, families act in the collection and sorting of recyclable materials, and they are often conceptualized as agents of sustainable practices. This article aims to investigate the intersection between territorial organization and local development within a recycling cooperative. In order to understand the socio-environmental dynamics on this research, a bibliometric portfolio was built that provided knowledge about Circular Economy practices and recyclable collectors. For data collection, support was sought through non-participant observation and structured and semi-structured interviews. The results showed that the strengthening of the cooperative developed from established social relationships in the surroundings of the recycling chain. It was concluded that, from the viability of relationships within the territory, scenarios may arise that guarantee the circularity and transformation of the waste, encompassing aspects aimed at social, environmental and economic sustainability.

Keywords
circular economy; territorial development; recyclable collectors