Políticas e gestão de resíduos sólidos: cooperativismo no município de Nossa Senhora das Dores/Se

Abstract

Inadequate urban solid waste management is a persistent challenge in many Brazilian municipalities, especially smaller ones, which face limited infrastructure and resources. Improper waste disposal contributes to environmental degradation, poses public health risks, and affects community well-being. In this context, implementing effective selective waste collection systems is essential, as it not only adds economic value to waste but also promotes the social inclusion of recyclable and reusable material collectors. When well-structured, selective waste collection offers a sustainable solution for waste management, helping to preserve the environment and foster local socioeconomic development. Waste collectors play a fundamental role in this process, acting as transformative agents by integrating sustainable practices and social inclusion, in addition to reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills. This study aims to analyze public environmental management at the Nossa Senhora das Dores/SE Recycling Cooperative, in light of Law 12.305/2010, which establishes the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS). Using CORD as a case study, the research investigates its organizational structure, its effectiveness in promoting socioeconomic inclusion, and its level of compliance with environmental legislation. The central hypothesis is that effective implementation of the PNRS can significantly reduce solid waste generation, promoting a circular and sustainable economy. This approach encourages the reuse and recycling of materials, establishing guidelines for integrated waste management adapted to the needs of smaller communities. The analysis of CORD seeks to demonstrate how cooperation between public authorities and civil society can foster more inclusive and sustainable waste management practices. Furthermore, the study identifies the challenges and opportunities faced by the cooperative and proposes recommendations to improve the efficiency and impact of selective waste collection in the region. By examining CORD's performance, the study aims to offer contributions that serve as a model for other similar initiatives. Thus, it is hoped that the successful practices and strategies adopted by the cooperative can be replicated in other municipalities, contributing to more efficient and sustainable waste management at the state and national levels.