MUNICIPAL PUBLIC POWER, GARBAGE PICKERS AND FACING THE PANDEMIC: The cases of Fortaleza, São Paulo and Curitiba

Abstract

In view of the pandemic caused by the Sars-CoV-2 virus, which hit the world in 2020, some social problems faced in Brazil have been aggravated and should gain greater and deserved space in academic and political debates. Waste management is included in this theme and, in particular, the limited social and economic inclusion of recyclable material collectors promoted by the Municipal Government. In this context, the objective of this study was to present the actions taken by the Municipal Government of Fortaleza, São Paulo and Curitiba, regarding the selective collection in the face of the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic. The municipalities were chosen because they are Capitals, are located in different Regions and have information about their actions available on websites. Secondary data were used, obtained from websites of the municipalities. Capital Fortaleza, even before the pandemic, did not have selective door-to-door collection and, in the face of the pandemic, the Municipal Government remained exempt. The municipality of São Paulo has selective collection institutionally established since 2002 and, in the face of the pandemic, maintained collection door to door, but discontinued the separation of recyclable materials. And, in view of the closure of the cooperatives, it is guaranteeing financial assistance to registered collectors. Curitiba, which has been developing recyclable collection actions since 1989, opted to maintain the collection and keep the waste in isolation for a period of 24 hours. In the end, it can be concluded by the lack of homogeneity between the actions of the Municipal Public Power in the face of the exception of the moment lived, which accuse a problem previous to the virus.