Identity of recyclable material collectors associated with Chapecó (SC), Brazil

The aim of the present study was to identify whether recyclable material collectors in Chapecó Associations, Santa Catarina State, are aware of their rights and role in helping to protect the environment. This study combined qualitative and quantitative methodologies and used semi-structured questionnaires that were applied to 120 collectors from 12 associations. Content analysis was the tool adopted for data collection, and data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 28.0. According to the study results, many collectors were unaware of their rights, but they do not identify themselves as workers in the recycling sector. In total, 100% of collectors recognize waste collection relevance for both the environment and the community; however, they still face the stigma of handling “trash.” Thus, 55.9% of the assessed group stated that they do not want their children to pursue their profession. Accordingly, collectors have a paradoxical position in the recycling chain. In fact, despite providing economic inclusion, this activity lacks social recognition, and these professionals’ work is still carried out under precarious conditions.