The right to decent work and social protection for collectors of reusable and recyclable materials: pathways towards a fair and inclusive ecological transition in Brazil Mery Elen da Silva Scalia Carvalho

Abstract

Given the increasingly intense impacts of human activity on the balance of the environment, it is necessary to review production and consumption patterns. However, it is important to remember that a fair ecological transition must be socially inclusive. In this regard, the objective of this paper is to present reflections on the structural changes necessary for the development of a green economy that also guarantees decent work and social protection for collectors of reusable and recyclable materials. This is an applied, qualitative study with explanatory and descriptive purposes. Data collection was carried out through bibliographic, documentary and legislative research. The analysis of the collected data was predominantly deductive. It was found that, despite the institution of the National Solid Waste Policy and regulatory advances on the subject, the systematic violation of the human rights of these workers is still a reality. It was possible to conclude that permanent public policies are necessary for social inclusion, income preservation and improvement of the quality of life of collectors of reusable and recyclable materials.