Resumo Esse trabalho se enquadra no desarrolho sustentável como modelo para a promoção de um crescimento econômico sustentado, inclusivo e sustentável, um emprego pleno e produtivo, e um trabalho decente enquadrado nos eixos ambiental, econômico e social. Analisaram-se as características e condições das associações de recicladores da cidade de Cuenca, com o objetivo de determinar se a conformação delas é uma estratégia adequada para o desarrolho sustentável ou simplesmente uma estratégia de supervivência para grupos vulneráveis. A metodologia utilizada tem um caráter de correlação e misturado, com corte transversal e exploratório, e foi concentrado no estudo de 168 recicladores associados e registrados no EMAC-EP. Os resultados mostraram que a venda coletiva das associações não é uma variável explicativa e influente sob o nível de rendas dos recicladores associados. A conclusão principal foi que a reciclagem associativa não tem características de eficiência, trabalho decente e crescimento econômico apesar de ter o princípio da inclusão de grupos vulneráveis, o qual não fornece garantias que favoreçam o desarrolho sustentável. JEL: Q01 Desarrolho sustentável.

Resumen El presente trabajo se enmarca en el desarrollo sostenible como un modelo que busca promover el crecimiento económico sostenido, inclusivo y sostenible, el empleo pleno y productivo y el trabajo decente enmarcado en los ejes medioambiental, económico y social. Se analizaron las características y condiciones de las asociaciones de recicladores de la ciudad de Cuenca, con la finalidad de determinar si su conformación es considerada una estrategia adecuada de desarrollo sostenible o simplemente configura una estrategia de supervivencia para grupos vulnerables. La metodología empleada, con carácter correlacional y mixta, corte transversal y de carácter exploratorio, se centró en el estudio de 168 recicladores asociados registrados en EMAC-EP. En los resultados destaca que la venta colectiva en las asociaciones no es una variable explicativa e influyente en el nivel de ingreso de un reciclador asociado. La conclusión principal demuestra que el reciclaje asociativo no presenta rasgos de eficiencia, trabajo decente y crecimiento económico, a pesar de tener como principio la inclusión de grupos vulnerables, lo cual no brinda garantías que favorezcan el desarrollo sostenible. JEL: Q01 Desarrollo sostenible.

Abstract This work has a framework based on sustainable development as a model seeking to improve sustainable, inclusive and sustained economic growth, as well as a full, productive employment as well as decent employment within the framework of the environmental, economic and social axes. An analysis was performed on the characteristics and conditions of the recycler associations of the city of Cuenca to determine if the creation of these associations is considered an appropriate strategy for sustainable development or just a survival strategy for vulnerable parties. The methodology in use, with a correlational and mixed, cross-sectioned and exploratory system, was based on the study of 168 associated recyclers registered in EMAC-EP. The results highlight that collective sales in associations are not an explanative, influential variable on the income levels of associated recyclers. The main conclusion shows that associative recycling does not show any hints of efficiency, decent work and economic growth in spite of having as principle the inclusion of vulnerable parties, as it does not provide any warranties favoring sustainable development. JEL: Q01 Sustainable development.

Waste is an increasing global environmental issue. South Africa's informal sector plays a crucial role in diverting recyclables from landfills. Despite their indispensable contributions, informal recyclers form part of a societal group that is marginalised, negatively labelled and deemed 'disposable' under neoliberal capitalist structures. This article draws on data from interviews held with 21 participants who work in the informal recycling sector in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) in South Africa. It investigates the participants' own perceptions of their societal role, of which four became prominent, namely: (1) cleaners of the environment, (2) providers for dependents, (3) informal environmental educators and (4) community uplifters. We argue that the participants' positive self-views can be seen as a powerful counter-narrative that challenges harmful prevailing stereotypes, which allows for a more nuanced perception of their lives and labour. Their positive self-perceptions and resourcefulness should not be interpreted as an endorsement of neoliberal capitalism that compels them to actively combat stigmatisation. Instead, their determination to resist negative stereotypes simultaneously underscores the necessity of confronting stigmatisation in society. TRANSDISCIPLINARY CONTRIBUTION: The parallel themes of agency and autonomy in both informal recycling and entrepreneurship prompt a reconsideration of the conventional entrepreneurial discourse and its applicability to marginalised communities. We recommend that informal recyclers' accumulated knowledge, skill set and well-being be acknowledged to ensure their dignity and that their labour is valued

Abstract By law, partnerships can be a corporate or non-corporate enterprises; cooperatives are non-corporate partnerships. Searching for better results in production, producers unite via cooperatives. Recyclable collectors are producers because they provide reusable raw materials. This activity is typically precarious, although environmentally relevant. Governed by a special law, the production and service cooperatives, within in the context of public policies and partnerships, are constituted for the purposes of formalization and income, removing waste collectors from the precarious work conditions. To verify the viability of this type of cooperative and the working relationship involved, Cooperagir was researched. From the data collected and using the SWOT matrix as an analysis tool, the positive and negative aspects of it were detected, including the work relationship. The strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats were analyzed. It is concluded that the cooperative has the potential to evolve, however, there are threats that may make it infeasible. law noncorporate non enterprises materials relevant income conditions involved researched tool detected strengths opportunities weaknesses analyzed evolve however infeasible

Resumen Por ley, las sociedades pueden ser empresariales o no empresariales; las cooperativas son sociedades no empresariales. En la búsqueda de mejores resultados, los productores se unen a través de cooperativas. Los recolectores de materiales reciclables son productores que suministran materia prima reutilizable. Esa actividad es típicamente precarizada, aunque ambientalmente relevante. Regidas por una ley especial, las cooperativas de producción y servicios, insertadas en el contexto de políticas y asociaciones públicas, son constituidas con fines de formalización e ingresos, sacando al recolector del trabajo precario. Para conocer la viabilidad de ese tipo de cooperativa y la relación de trabajo que implica, se investigó la Cooperagir del municipio de Marechal Cândido Rondon/PR. A partir de los datos recogidos y utilizando la matriz FOFA como herramienta de análisis, se detectaron los aspectos positivos y negativos, incluyendo la relación de trabajo. En particular, se analizaron los puntos fuertes, las oportunidades, los puntos débiles y las amenazas. La conclusión es que la cooperativa tiene potencial para evolucionar, pero existen amenazas que podrían hacer inviable ese proceso. resultados reutilizable precarizada relevante especial servicios públicas ingresos precario implica RondonPR Rondon PR Rondon/PR análisis negativos particular fuertes oportunidades evolucionar proceso

Resumo Por lei, as sociedades podem ser empresariais ou não; as cooperativas são sociedades não empresariais. Na busca por melhores resultados, produtores se unem via cooperativa. Catadores de recicláveis são produtores que fornecem matéria-prima reaproveitável. Essa atividade é tipicamente precarizada, embora ambientalmente relevante. Regidas por lei especial, as cooperativas de produção e serviços, inseridas no contexto de políticas e parcerias públicas, são constituídas para fins de formalização e renda, tirando o catador do trabalho precário. Para averiguar a viabilidade desse tipo de cooperativa e a relação de trabalho envolvida, foi pesquisada a Cooperagir, no município de Marechal Cândido Rondon/PR. Dos dados levantados e usando a matriz FOFA como ferramenta de análise, detectaram-se os aspectos positivos e negativos, incluindo a relação de trabalho. Pontualmente, observaram-se as fortalezas, oportunidades, fraquezas e ameaças. Conclui-se que a cooperativa tem potencial para evoluir, entretanto, existem ameaças que podem inviabilizar esse processo. resultados matériaprima matéria prima reaproveitável precarizada relevante especial serviços públicas renda precário envolvida Cooperagir RondonPR Rondon PR Rondon/PR análise detectaramse detectaram negativos Pontualmente observaramse observaram fortalezas oportunidades Concluise Conclui evoluir entretanto processo

Abstract The research analyzes qualitative data related to integrated solid waste management, inclusive recycling and COVID-19. In addition, the results of the survey "Waste Management and Circular Economy" on the perception of citizens regarding recycling and recyclers during the first confinement (March-September 2020 Canton Cuenca) are studied. Among the main findings, it was identified that the restrictions implemented had a high impact on the work of recyclers and citizen behavior. In relation to recyclers, only a protocol for a progressive return to their activities was established; there was no targeted support, which indicates that this sector is excluded from public policies. The survey also shows that although the work of waste pickers as actors in the informal economy contributes to the care of the environment, their situation is precarious, risky and little recognized by the community.

Resumen En la investigación se analizan datos cualitativos relacionados con la gestión integral de residuos sólidos, reciclaje inclusivo y COVID-19. Además, se estudia los resultados de la encuesta “Gestión de Residuos y Economía Circular” sobre la percepción de los ciudadanos frente al reciclaje y recicladores durante el primer confinamiento (marzo-septiembre 2020 Cantón Cuenca). Entre los principales hallazgos se identificó que las restricciones implementadas tuvieron un alto impacto en la labor de los recicladores y en el comportamiento ciudadano. Con relación a los recicladores únicamente se estableció un protocolo de retorno progresivo a sus actividades, no hubo apoyos focalizados, de lo que se desprende que se trata de un sector excluido de las políticas públicas. La encuesta a su vez evidencia que si bien la labor de los recicladores como actores de la economía informal contribuye al cuidado del medio ambiente su situación es precaria, riesgosa y poco reconocida por la colectividad.

RESUMEN Introducción. En Asunción existe una zona geográfica llamada Bañados, en esta zona se conforman los llamados «cinturones de pobreza», donde el trabajo informal se impone como principal medio de sustento. El oficio del reciclaje corresponde a uno de los trabajos informales más practicados. Objetivos. Describir aspectos de la zona donde desarrollan su vida trabajadora de la recolección. Incorporar elementos de resignificación positiva acerca del trabajo de reciclaje a mujeres recicladoras organizadas o no del Bañado Sur de la ciudad de Asunción, Paraguay. Material y métodos. Se realizaron 28 encuentros con 153 mujeres agrupadas en 7 grupos, durante el período del 2019 al 2022. La muestra fue seleccionada fue por conveniencia. Se eligió la modalidad de «taller» debido a las prácticas ya conocidas y aceptadas por la comunidad. Resultados. Se realizó conjuntamente la clasificación de la basura o residuos urbanos en sus categorías orgánica/inorgánica/tóxica, pero también en una clasificación más cercana a su realidad concreta. Se identificó cómo son las relaciones familiares y comunitarias, las preocupaciones por los hijos e hijas, el cambio climático, las inundaciones, las viviendas precarias, el acceso al agua, la inseguridad en el barrio y la problemática de drogas en la comunidad. Conclusión. Las jornadas se desarrollaron con mujeres recicladoras organizadas, miembros de una organización civil, que residen en el Bañado Sur - Tacumbú, Asunción (Paraguay). Durante el proceso se logró acercar a los grupos de mujeres que han podido participar de la experiencia, una resignificación positiva del trabajo y su rol en la sociedad, mediante el diálogo.

ABSTRACT Introduction. In Asunción there is a geographic area called Bañados. They make up the so-called “poverty belts”, where informal work is laid down as the main means of support. The job of recycling is one of the most performed informal jobs. Aims. To report aspects of the area where collection workers go about their lives. Incorporate elements of positive new meaning about the recycling work to organized or disorganized women recyclers from Bañado Sur in the city of Asunción, Paraguay. Methods. In total 28 meetings were held with 153 women grouped into seven groups, during the period from 2019 to 2022. The sample was selected by convenience. The “workshop” modality was chosen due to the practices already known and accepted by the community. Results. Garbage or urban waste could be classified together in its organic/inorganic/toxic categories but also in a classification more akin to its specific reality. Family and community relationships, concerns for children, climate change, floods, precarious housing, access to water, insecurity in the neighbourhood and drug problems in the community were all identified. Conclusion. The sessions were held with organized women recyclers, members of a civil organization residing in Bañado Sur - Tacumbú, Asunción, Paraguay. During the process, it was possible to bring together the groups of women who were able to take part in the experience, a positive new meaning for work and their role in society, by means of dialogue.

Contemporary South African society is deeply inequitable, thrusting the consumerist waste of those who have the means into the sphere of those whose most basic needs for survival are not adequately met. Much of this waste is recyclable, however, and is now recognised to have substantial monetary value. The collecting and selling of the discards of the wealthy thus offers a viable source of income for the country's poor. This essay appraises Johannesburg in terms of its complex socio-economic systems and problems, particularly as these pertain to waste and its handlers. Specifically, it examines two conceptually related art interventions involving the City's informal recyclers. The first, House 38: Hazardous Objects, commenced in 2009. Various iterations followed, culminating in the second - Sleeps with the fishes in 2016. In both, the intention was to articulate questions of value - material and, more especially, human. House 38: Hazardous Objects comprised an installation of hand-beaten lead trash-objects and became a conceptual device to interrogate the following themes: the artwork as actant; labour, skill and materiality; and permanence versus disposability. Sleeps with the fishes re-purposed Theodore Géricault's The Raft of the Medusa (1819) by staging a group of recyclers crammed into a floundering skiff atop one of Johannesburg's infamous mine dumps. Just as Géricault had sought to illustrate the inherent danger of governing bodies putting their interests above those of their citizens, giving power to political favourites, and abandoning the poor, so too did I wish to caution that civil society as a whole cannot expect to escape unscathed when governmental and societal structures turn a blind eye to burgeoning consumption and its fallout - and to the circumstances of the poor who attend to the predicament. But this essay also proposes that, since a physical shipwreck can be survived, it can therefore also symbolise innovation, endurance, spiritual and ethical resilience, and rebellion against authoritarian structures. And furthermore, just as the recycler's trolleys are likened to sea-going vessels and their drivers to seafarers, so too, the pallet/raft can be suggested as a potent allegory for the self-reliant mariner who must use what little is available to survive in open waters. It will be seen that this essay persistently mediates between the diametrical themes of hardship and of opportunity, thereby articulating and sustaining the titular reference to damage and possibility.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to describe the perception of the level of social welfare of primary recyclers in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador, according to socio-demographic variables. The research had a quantitative, descriptive, cross-cutting and non-experimental approach. A sample of 200 primary recyclers was worked on. In addition, the Keyes Social Welfare Scale and demographic partner card were applied. Among the main findings were found to have a moderate average of social well-being. A greater one in social contribution and integration and minor in social acceptance. In conclusion, they moderately value their conditions and social functioning and have less self-confidence than in others.

RESUMEN El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo describir la percepción del nivel de bienestar social de los recicladores primarios en la ciudad de Cuenca, Ecuador, según variables sociodemográficas. La investigación tuvo un enfoque cuantitativo, descriptivo, transversal y no experimental. Se trabajó con una muestra de 200 recicladores primarios. Además, se aplicó la Escala de Bienestar Social de Keyes y una ficha sociodemográfica. Entre los hallazgos principales se encontró que presentan un promedio moderado de bienestar social, uno mayor en contribución e integración social y uno menor en aceptación social. En conclusión, valoran moderadamente sus condiciones y el funcionamiento social y tienen menor confianza en sí mismos y en otras personas.

Resumen Objetivo: Este artículo tiene como objetivo realizar un análisis comparativo de la prevalencia de enfermedades dermatológicas, antecedentes en salud y medidas de protección de seguridad y salud en el trabajo entre la población recicladora y no recicladora que vive alrededor del vertedero municipal de la ciudad de Asunción, en Paraguay. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo y transversal, con una muestra no aleatoria intencional en cuatro microterritorios, que incluyó 40 personas de entre 15 y 76 años: 22 recicladores y 18 no recicladores. Resultados: Se encontró que los recicladores presentaron mayor prevalencia de enfermedades dermatológicas en el examen físico y en antecedentes de salud, entre los cuales se identificó un 63,7 % con tres o más lesiones en piel (en contraste con un 16,6 % de los no recicladores), y pronunciados porcentajes en enfermedades infecciosas cutáneas: micosis (50 %) y de origen bacteriano (31,8 %). En antecedentes cutáneos, los recicladores resultaron con mayores proporciones en heridas por corte (59,1 %), forúnculos (59,1%), tunga penetrans (40,9 %), larva migrans cutánea (36,4 %), heridas infectadas por corte (27,3 %), fotodaño (22,7 %), tinea pedis (13,6 %) y heridas por punción de jeringa (9,1 %). Estos reportaron también mayores porcentajes respecto a frecuentes problemas respiratorios, gastrointestinales, cefaleas y dolores musculoesqueléticos. Se constataron insuficientes medidas de protección de seguridad y salud en los trabajadores dedicados a la actividad del reciclado. Conclusión: Estos resultados sugieren un mayor potencial de exposición del grupo de recicladores a una variedad de fuentes de riesgos en salud relacionadas con las condiciones precarias de su actividad laboral, lo cual apunta a un desafío prioritario para la salud pública.

Abstract Objective: This article aims to perform a comparative analysis of the prevalence of dermatological diseases, past medical history and, safety and health conditions at work among a recycling and a non-recycling population living around the municipal landfill in Asunción, Paraguay. Methodology: A descriptive and cross-sectional study, with a non-random sample chosen intentionally in four micro-territories was carried out, which included 40 people aged between 15 and 76 years: 22 recyclers and 18 non-recyclers. Results: Recyclers showed a higher prevalence of dermatological diseases based on physical examinations and review of their past medical history; among them 63.7% were identified with three or more skin lesions (in contrast to 16.6% of non-recyclers) and high percentages of cutaneous infectious diseases: mycotic (50 %) and bacterial (31.8%). Regarding their past medical history of cutaneous diseases, recyclers reported cut wounds (59.1 %), boils (59.1%), tunga penetrans (40.9 %), cutaneous larva migrans (36.4 %), infected cut wounds (27.3 %), photodamage (22.7 %), tinea pedis (13.6 %) and puncture wounds (syringe) (9.1 %). They also reported frequent respiratory and gastrointestinal problems, headaches and musculoskeletal pain. Additionally, insufficient safety and health protection measures were found in workers engaged in recycling. Conclusion: These results indicate a greater exposure to a variety of risk factors related to the precarious work conditions of the recycling group, and this aspect becomes a challenge for public health as well.

Resumo Objetivo: Este artigo tem como objetivo realizar uma análise comparativa de prevalência de enfermidades dermatológicas, antecedentes em saúde e medidas de proteção de segurança e saúde no trabalho entre a população catadora e não catadora que mora ao redor do aterro sanitário municipal da cidade de Asunción, no Paraguai. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo e transversal com uma amostragem não aleatória intencional em 4 microterritórios, que incluiu 40 pessoas entre 15 e 76 anos: 22 catadores e 18 não catadores. Resultados: Encontrou-se que os catadores apresentaram maior prevalência de enfermidades dermatológicas no exame físico e em antecedentes de saúde, entre os quais identificou-se um 63,7% com três ou mais lesões na pele (em contraste com um 16,6% dos não catadores) e porcentagens representativas em enfermidades infecciosas cutâneas: micoses (50%) e de origem bacteriana (31,8%). Nos antecedentes cutâneos, os catadores apresentaram maiores proporções de feridas por corte (59,1%), furúnculos (59,1%), tunga penetrans (40,9%), larva migrans cutânea (36,4%), feridas infetadas por cortes (27,3%), fotoenvelhecimento (22,7%), tineapedis (13,6%) e feridas por punção de seringa (9,1%). Também apresentaram porcentagens maiores relacionadas a frequentes problemas respiratórios, gastrointestinais, cefaleias e dores musculoesqueléticas. Foram constatadas medidas insuficientes de proteção de segurança e saúde nos trabalhadores dedicados à atividade de reciclagem. Conclusão: Estes resultados sugerem um potencial maior de exposição do grupo de catadores a uma variedade de fontes de risco em saúde relacionadas com as precárias condições de seu trabalho o que representa um desafio prioritário para a saúde pública.

Informal waste reclaimers are a key part of South Africa's recycling economy, being responsible for around 51% of all paper and packaging waste collected in South Africa in 2017. Active in the waste and recycling landscape for more than three decades, their activity predates the earliest voluntary paper and packaging Extended Producer Responsibility schemes. However, these voluntary schemes have been instrumental in scaling South Africa's recycling economy. Investment by brand owners, retailers, converters and recyclers has helped develop local end-use markets, creating a demand for paper and packaging recyclables and a resultant increase in their collection. An analysis of tonnage and price data shows that the mean estimate of money paid by the private sector to the informal waste sector through the purchase of recyclables at intermediaries such as buy-back centres, was ZAR625 million in 2012, increasing to ZAR872 million in 2017. This private sector 'investment' in the local recycling economy has led to direct and indirect job creation and improved livelihoods, particularly for a large, well-established and effective informal waste sector, and has indirectly funded municipal waste diversion strategies, saving municipalities in both the collection and disposal of waste.SIGNIFICANCE: • Informal waste reclaimers make a significant contribution to the diversion of paper and packaging recyclables from landfill to recycling in South Africa. • Limited information exists on the earnings of informal reclaimers. • This paper provides new insights on the annual financial payments made by the private sector to informal reclaimers for the collection of recyclables.

Abstract: Forest trees are considered important in ameliorating climate change through removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, stabilizing water catchments and for timber production. Wood decay fungi are among the most important biotic factors in ecosystems, infecting valuable landscaping trees causing an economic loss or the preeminent recyclers of the wood. In a survey of forest trees in the Alamdardeh forest, northern Iran, fungal fruit bodies were collected and isolations made. Based on a combination of macro-morphological characteristics and molecular analyses, using the sequence data of ITS-rDNA, isolates were identified to the species level. A total of 22 species in nine families and 15 genera were identified. Most isolates were the white-rot fungi. Additionally, the brown-rot fungus Laetiporus sulphureus and the soft-rot species Xylaria longipes were identified.

RESUMEN La adecuada gestión de los residuos sólidos es agenda de trabajo para el desarrollo sostenible. América Latina ha adoptado políticas y promulgado normatividad que han llevado a la prohibición de botaderos a cielo abierto, la incorporación de los recicladores al proceso de gestión y el intento de reducir la cantidad de residuos generados. En este artículo se analiza la correlación entre la generación de residuos sólidos urbanos y algunas variables en nueve ciudades de la región, entre el 2007 y el 2014, utilizando estadísticas oficiales de cada país. Se encuentra que el ingreso por habitante y la tasa de cobertura escolar se correlacionan significativamente. Se concluye la importancia de generar conciencia en los ciudadanos respecto a su papel en la reducción de residuos sólidos generados. JEL Classification: Q01, Q53, Q58.

ABSTRACT Solid waste management is a working agenda for sustainable development. Latin America has adopted policies and promulgated regulations that have led to the prohibition of open-air dumps, an inclusion of recyclers into the management process, and incentives to reduce the generation of urban solid waste. This article analyzes the correlation between the generation of urban solid waste and some other factors in nine cities of the region, between 2007 and 2014, using official statistics from each country. Results show that there is a significant correlation between per capita income and school coverage rate. Although there have been some improvements, there also remain challenges in order to raise awareness among citizens about their role in reducing the generation of solid waste.

RESUMO A adequada gestão dos resíduos sólidos é agenda de trabalho para o desenvolvimento sustentável. A América Latina tem adotado políticas e promulgado regulamentações que levam à proibição de aterros a céu aberto, à incorporação dos recicladores ao processo de gestão e à tentativa de reduzir a quantidade de resíduos gerados. Neste artigo, a correlação entre a geração de resíduos sólidos urbanos e algumas variáveis é analisada em nove cidades da região, entre 2007 e 2014, com a utilização de estatísticas oficiais de cada país. Constata-se que o ingresso por habitante e a taxa de cobertura escolar se correlacionam de forma significativa. Conclui-se que é importante conscientizar os cidadãos quanto a seu papel na redução de resíduos sólidos gerados.

RESUMO O presente artigo teve por objetivo analisar o processo de luta e de resistência vivenciado por catadores de materiais recicláveis, vinculados à Associação dos Catadores de Papel, Papelão e Material Reaproveitável (ASMARE), localizada em Belo Horizonte (MG). Em termos metodológicos, adotou-se a História Oral e a Análise do Discurso, buscando analisar trajetórias de vida de associados da ASMARE. Os principais resultados apontam que o trabalho dos catadores ocupa um lugar de contradição na cadeia da reciclagem. Por um lado, existe a geração de renda e a produção de sentidos, que permitem a ressignificação do trabalho dos catadores como agentes ambientais, por outro, as condições em que se inserem ainda são precárias e de invisibilidade social. A árdua ocupação com o trabalho da reciclagem cria o desafio de os catadores lidarem com a constante ambivalência de sua condição, em que o trabalho ressignificado ainda disputa espaço com o preconceito e com a exclusão social.

ABSTRACT This article aimed to analyze the process of struggle and resistance experienced by recyclable waste pickers, linked to the Association of Paper, Cardboard and Recyclable Waste Pickers (ASMARE), located in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. In methodological terms, Oral History and Discourse Analysis were adopted, seeking to analyze the life trajectories of ASMARE members. The main results indicate that the work of the pickers occupies a contradictory place in the recycling chain. On the one hand, there is the generation of income and the production of meanings, which allow the resignification of the work of recyclable waste pickers as environmental agents; on the other hand, the labor conditions of these workers are still precarious and socially invisible. The arduous occupation with the work of recycling creates the challenge for the pickers to deal with the constant ambivalence of their condition, in which the resignified work still disputes space with prejudice and social exclusion.

RESUMEN El artículo tuvo como objetivo analizar el proceso de lucha y resistencia experimentado por los recicladores, vinculados a la Asociación de Recolectores de Papel, Cartón e material reutilizable (ASMARE), ubicada en Belo Horizonte (MG). En términos metodológicos, adoptamos la Historia Oral y el Análisis del Discurso, buscando analizar las trayectorias de vida de los miembros de ASMARE. Los principales resultados indican que el trabajo de los recolectores ocupa un lugar contradictorio en la cadena de reciclaje. Por un lado, está la generación de ingresos y la producción de significados, que permiten la resignificación del trabajo de los recicladores como agentes ambientales, por otro lado, las condiciones en las que se insertan aún son precarias y socialmente invisibles. La ardua ocupación con el trabajo de reciclaje crea el desafío para los recicladores de hacer frente a la constante ambivalencia de su condición, en la que el trabajo resignado todavía disputa el espacio con prejuicios y exclusión social.

ABSTRACT The study addresses aspects of solid waste management and sustainable development in Peru, through the evaluation of recycling activities carried out by a constituted association that has been working for years in a municipal dump, addressing the aspects of safety, health, segregation activities and solid waste collection.

RESUMEN El estudio aborda aspectos de gestión de residuos sólidos y desarrollo sostenible en el Perú, mediante la evaluación de las actividades de reciclaje efectuadas por una asociación constituida que labora desde años en un botadero municipal, abordando los aspectos de seguridad, salud, actividades de segregación y acopio de residuos sólidos.

Abstract In big global cities, the management of residues is a problem that continues to gain importance. For generations the community of recyclers has taken charge of a labor that, although poorly recognized, generates multiple social, environmental and economic benefits. From a traditional public policy stand point, this activity is considered informal and there is a need to “correct” it through formalization processes that ignores lived realities. This article analyzes integration approaches and the main obstacles of organizations of recyclers in Bogota. It aims to widen analytical perspectives by introducing an interpretation of these processes from the popular economy, which recognize and values not only the activity, but the participation of recyclers as fundamental actors in the co-construction and implementation of public policies that represent an effective improvement of labor conditions and of the livelihoods of this community.

Resumo Nas grandes cidades do mundo, o gerenciamento de resíduos é um problema que está se tornando cada vez mais importante. A população recicladora tem sido responsável por gerações de desenvolver um trabalho que -embora pouco reconhecido- gera múltiplos benefícios sociais, ambientais e econômicos. Desde o ponto de vista da política pública tradicional, esta atividade é considerada informal e busca-se “corrigir” o problema por meio de processos de formalização que desconhecem as realidades próprias. Este artigo analisa as abordagens de integração e os principais obstáculos para as organizações de catadores em Bogotá, buscando ampliar a perspectiva de análise ao introduzir uma leitura desses processos desde a economia popular, que reconheça e valorize não apenas a atividade, mas também a participação dos catadores de recicláveis como atores-chave na co-construção e implementação de políticas públicas que representam uma melhoria efetiva das condições de trabalho e de vida dessa população.

Resumen En las grandes urbes del sur global, la gestión de residuos es una problemática que cobra cada vez mayor importancia. La población recicladora se ha encargado durante generaciones de desarrollar una labor que -aunque poco reconocida- genera múltiples beneficios sociales, ambientales y económicos. Desde la perspectiva de la política pública tradicional, esta actividad se considera informal y se busca “corregir” el problema mediante procesos de formalización que desconocen las realidades propias. Este artículo analiza los enfoques de integración y los principales obstáculos para las organizaciones de recicladores en Bogotá, buscando ampliar la perspectiva de análisis al introducir una lectura de estos procesos desde la economía popular, que reconozca y valorice no solamente la actividad, sino la participación de los recicladores como actores fundamentales en la co-construcción e implementación de políticas públicas que representen una mejora efectiva de las condiciones laborales y de vida de esta población.

Introduction: Recyclers mostly operate in poor sanitary conditions and low occupational satety. The symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) represent a problem affecting all the sectors and occupations. Objective, To determine the perception of MSD symptorns. Desiqn, Cross-sectional study, Setting, Metropolitan Lima, Participants, Recyclers of any age and gender, Interventions, Implementation of Nordic Queslionnaire. Main outcome measures, Presence of MSD symptoms according to anatomical reqions. Results, Out of 131 selected participants, 114 met the inclusion criteria of which 58,8% (n = 67) were male and 41.2% (n = 47) female with an average age of 41.2 years (SD: 14,51; min: 18, max: 77), The anatomical region where most of the symptoms occurred was the lumbar region where the disease interlered with most of the household chores or work. In the age group 20-39 years, the most frequent musculoskeletal symptoms occurred in the cervical region (p = 0,012), whereas among people older than 50 years they occurred in the knees (p = 0,040), Conclusions, The perception of the symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders among recyclers was predominantly present in the lumbar region and it was the disease that had the most interlerence with household chores or work.

Introducción, Los recicladores en su mayoría desarrollan sus actividades en precarias condiciones sanitarias y de seguridad ocupacional. Los síntomas de los trastornos musculoesqueléticos (TME) es un problema que afecta a todos los sectores y ocupaciones, Objetivos, Conocer la percepción de síntomas de los TME, Diseño, Estudio descriptivo transversal. Lugar, Lima Metropolitana, Participantes, Recicladores de cualquier edad y género, Intervenciones, Aplicación del Cuestionario Nórdico, Principales medidas de resultados, Presencia de síntomas de TME por regiones anatómicas, Resultados, De los 131 participantes, 114 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, 58,8% (n=57) fueron varones y 41,2% (n=47) mujeres, con una media de 41,2 años (DE: 14,51; min: 18, máx: 77), La región anatómica con más síntomas lue la región lumbar, y lue la dolencia que más interferencia tuvo con las tareas de la casa o el trabajo, En el grupo etario de 20 a 39 años, los síntomas musculoesqueléticos más frecuentes se presentaron en la región cervical (p=0,012), mientras que en los mayores de 50 años se presentaron en las rodillas (p=0,040), Conclusiones, La percepción de síntomas de los TME en los recicladores se presentó predominantemente en la región lumbar y fue la dolencia que más interferencia tuvo con las tareas de casa o el trabajo