ANALYSIS OF THE MANAGEMENT OF A ASSOCIATION AND NETWORK OF RECYCLABLE MATERIALS WASTE PICKERS UNDER THE PRISM OF SOLIDARITY ECONOMY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

As a strategy of collective strengthening and aiming to promote the collector of recyclable materials to the condition of subject in the economic and productive processes, these professionals have been organizing themselves in the form of solidary economic enterprises. Given this, the present study aimed to understand the actions of an association and network of recyclable material collectors from Minas Gerais from the perspective of the Solidarity Economy and sustainability. Located in João Monlevade, the association is responsible for centralizing the activities of this network composed of associations of waste pickers from the Vale do Aço and Mucuri regions. Thus, the possibilities of consolidation and sustainability of this network were analyzed based on the relationship with the centralizing association. Through methodological procedures such as participant observation, bibliographic and documentary research, on-site visits, reports and field diaries, aspects of the Solidarity Economy and different dimensions of existing sustainability were identified, as well as their interactions, carrying out reflections in the economic, socio-cultural, political and environmental. Among the factors analyzed, the centralization of decisions in the leadership of the association has had a major impact on the sustainability of this and the network, however, many actions developed have the potential to favor collective well-being, productivity, the generation of work and income, providing sustainability in different dimensions