JUST TRANSITION OF THE INFORMAL RECYCLING SECTOR
CASE STUDIES
Legal Recognition of Waste Pickers
Brazil
Waste pickers in Brazil, known as catadores, have been pushing for formal recognition and social protection over the last 20 years. Data collected by Brazil’s official statistical system show that over 281,000 waste pickers are engaged in collecting recyclables in Brazil, either operating individually or collectively in cooperatives and associations.
However, this figure may not include all waste pickers in Brazil. According to the National Movement of Brazilian Waste Pickers (MNCR), the actual number may be as high as 800,000 since waste picking is often an informal and unregistered occupation. These individuals are responsible for 90% of Brazilian municipal solid waste recycling, saving as much as US$5.5 billion in recycling (2013).
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