FROM THE ORGANIZATION FORM TO THE SOCIO-ENVIRONMENTAL ROLE: RESEARCH IN FOUR ASSOCIATIONS OF RECYCLABLE MATERIALS COLLECTORS IN CHAPECÓ/SC

Abstract

The National Solid Waste Policy (NSWP) was created as a way to reduce the impacts resulting by the increase in the generation of urban solid waste, which became an environmental problem due to the forms of incorrect management. From de NSWP, there was the creation of Solid Waste Plans, recyclable materials collectors was taken from the context of exclusion, establishing the implementation of selective waste collection in municipalities through recycling plants, associations and cooperatives. This study aims to understand the organization of associations in the municipality of Chapecó / SC, analyzing the role of NSWP in the actions of insertion of the associations of collectors and the perception of these subjects regarding the environmental dimension. The research was carried out with four associations, using the qualitative methodology through the focus groups organization with the associates and semi structured interview with the public manager. This study showed how the organization of associations interferes in contact and conflicts with public managers, in the relationship between associations, income generation, receipt of covenants, quality of life of associates, achievement of partnerships and socio-environmental insertion. The results highlight the important role of public power in the forms of organization, as well as the importance of associations being able to play their role more autonomously and establishing networks that help them collectively overcome some difficulties.