A coleta seletiva e o papel das cooperativas de materiais recicláveis de São José dos Campos - SP numa perspectiva de educação ambiental

Abstract

This work had as thematic the selective collection and the role of recycling collector's cooperative of São José dos Campos in a perspective of environmental education. In this context evaluates the problem of solid waste that with increasing population, industrialization, and economic growth have increased in quantity and complexity. With the advancement of technology, new materials were produced and disposed with plastics, polystyrene and others that are slow to decompose in nature. After being collected, this waste can be deposited in dumps or landfills, which are environmentally friendly. By the recycling process, the waste can be recovered and reused through the transformation of raw materials, preserving natural resources and removing materials from nature that are slow to decompose. Brazil developed its recycling model based on the work of recyclable materials pickers. This marginalized workers class acts in the streets, dumpsters and landfills. Since the 80s, the National Movement of Recyclable Materials collectors fight for rights and claim support to the collectors. These workers organized in cooperatives and associations are responsible for 65% of the job of recycling and try, with the practice of sustainability, improve their living conditions.The National Solid Waste Policy, introduced by Law 12.305/10, meets the needs of the post-modern society, due to the environmental crisis and the problematic of solid waste, gathering set of definitions, principles, objectives, goals, actions aiming at the integrated management of these wastes. This study conducted a survey through a questionnaire with a sample members of Cooperativa Futura and Cooperativa São Vicente that operate in solid waste management in São José dos Campos. Through the data was possible to complete the solid waste management in São José dos Campos is a pioneer and which can serve as an example for other municipalities and that the two cooperatives, the Cooperativea Futura, and the Cooperativa São Vicente are very active and necessary this management. Cooperatives employ about 180 people, which can be poor, some with little schooling and other difficulties to enter the formal labor market. Through the cooperative, these people can still collaborate income and to preserve the environment through their work. Environmental education is important for public awareness on solid waste management by developing new habits and attitudes.