Community-based Research Lab (CBRL) Publications

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A onipresença do plástico na vida cotidiana: um exercício de foto voz em comunidade periférica de São Paulo
(Diálogos Socioambientais, 2025) Gutberlet, Jutta; Lopes Francelino Gonçalves-Dias, Sylmara
O exercício de foto voz realizado por alunos de pós-graduação da USP explorou a onipresença do plástico em uma comunidade periférica do município de São Paulo. O exercício foi realizado no contexto de uma disciplina de pós graduação onde os estudantes visitaram o bairro Jardim Keralux, local marcado por contaminação do solo e grande vulnerabilidade socioambiental. Utilizou-se a técnica de foto voz e a caminhada transversal, como abordagem metodológica, onde os alunos registraram impactos do plástico e interagiram com a comunidade.O aprendizado foi enriquecido pelo contato direto dos alunos com a realidade periférica de São Paulo e seus moradores, ampliando sua compreensão sobre os desafios enfrentados por populações que vivem num contexto vulnerabilizado por múltiplas intersecções. A atividade promoveu para todos participantes reflexões sobre desigualdade, planejamento urbano precário e injustiça socioambiental.
Celebrating community–university research partnerships: Experiences in Brazil
(University of Victoria; PRIA, 2015) Tremblay, Crystal; Gutberlet, Jutta; Bonatti, Michelle
This chapter provides a brief overview of Brazil’s national and regional policy initiatives and financial incentives that support collaboration between higher education institutions and society. We discuss two examples of higher education institutions–the University of São Paulo (USP) and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)–and highlight the different structures that have emerged through ‘incubators’ meant to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurial activities. Government support for the incubator model has been increasing at the federal, state and local levels. The national social mobilizing network COEP and the community-based organization CEPAGRO are also featured in this study as examples of successful civic-led partnership research with higher education institutions (HEIs). The information presented in this chapter was collected through documents and websites, in addition to in-depth interviews with key informants at each of the institutions/organizations.
Characteristics, challenges and innovations of waste picker organizations: A comparative perspective between Latin American and East African countries
(PLoS ONE, 2022) Kain, Jaan-Henrik; Zapata, Patrik; Mantovani Martiniano de Azevedo, Adalberto; Carenzo, Sebastián; Charles, Goodluck; Gutberlet, Jutta
Waste picker organisations (WPOs) around the globe collect, transport and process waste to earn their living but represent a widely excluded, marginalised and impoverished segment of society. WPOs are highly innovative, created by grassroots out of “nothing” to deliver economic, social and environmental sustainability. Still, we do not know how such innovations are developed, and how they are disseminated and adopted by other groups. This article examines characteristics, challenges and innovations of WPOs across five countries in Latin America and East Africa. It is based on quantitative and qualitative data regarding modes of organisation and management, gender, received support, business orientations, environmental and social contributions, and innovations developed in response to multiple challenges. The paper provides a comprehensive understanding of WPOs’ activities and their grassroots innovations in the Global South. The study shows how WPOs contribute significantly to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the societies they serve as well as the wider urban societies. To start and maintain WPOs in informal settlements with a lack of infrastructure, institutional frameworks, and public and private investors is a difficult quest. WPOs take many different organisational forms depending on the complexity of local realities, ranging from advanced collective organization as cooperatives to small self-help groups and microentrepreneurs. Self-organisation into regional and national networks provides economic opportunities, autonomy and stability as well as political influence. Yet, institutional support is fundamental and the lack thereof threatens their existence. Sustaining WPOs as important providers of socio-environmental benefits through governmental and non-governmental actions is a worthwhile undertaking that builds sustainability.
Citizen science
(Transcript, 2023) Jaeger-Erben, Melanie; Becker, Frank; Prüse, Baiba; Mendoza, Jimlea Nadezhda; Gutberlet, Jutta; Rodrigues, Eliana
The term citizen science originates from Anglo-American contexts and generally de-scribes the procedure of involving citizens who are not institutionally anchored in academia as active participants in a scientific research process. The use of the term “citizen” (etymologically derived from the Anglo-French word citisein “inhabitant of a city or community”, approx. 13th century), indicates a specific understanding of the persons involved, who, in the sense of the term citoyen coined in the French Enlightenment, actively and autonomously participate in the community and help to shape it. The tasks of citizens in this context range from collecting data to co-de-signing the entire research process, applying scientific quality standards, and producing scientifically usable results (Haklay et al. 2021; Pettibone et al. 2017). Citizen science as a designation for a specific form of knowledge production is mainly used in the European and North American context, where a differentiated research and funding landscape has evolved since the beginning of this century (Haklay et al. 2021). Similar approaches can be found in other parts of the world, but are framed under alternative terms such as community science (Conrad and Hilchey 2011) and community-based research (Amauchi et al. 2022). Citizen science brings together a multiplicity of approaches ranging from mass data collection events for citizens to forms of independent or self-determined research by non-academic groups or communities, calling the term itself into question (Eitzel et al. 2017).
Emerging complexities and rising omission: Contrasts among socio-ecological contexts of infectious diseases, research and policy in Brazil
(Genetics and Molecular Biology, 2021) Giatti, Leandro Luiz; Ribeiro, Ricardo Agum; Nava, Alessandra Ferreira Dales; Gutberlet, Jutta
In this article, we explore elements that highlight the interdependent nature of demands for knowledge production and decision-making related to the appearance of emerging diseases. To this end, we refer to scientific production and current contextual evidence to verify situations mainly related to the Brazilian Amazon, which suffers systematic disturbances and is characterized as a possible source of pathogenic microorganisms. With the acceleration of the Anthropocene's environmental changes, socio-ecological instabilities and the possibility of the emergence of infectious diseases merge into a background of a ´twin insurgency´. Furthermore, there is a tendency to impose economic hegemony in the current Brazilian context, corroborating discourses and pressures to a scientific simplification and denial. With this, we assert that developmental sectoral actions and monoculture of knowledge characterize an agenda of omission, that is, a process of decision making that indirectly reinforces ecological degradation and carelessness in the face of the possibility of the emergence and spreading of new diseases, such as COVID-19. Tackling the socio-ecological complexity inherent in the risk of the emergence of infectious diseases requires robust co-construction of scientific knowledge, eco-social approaches, and corresponding governance and sophisticated decision-making arrangements.
Expansion of the waste-based commodity frontier: Insights from Sweden and Brazil
(Sustainability, 2020) Gutberlet, Jutta; Bramryd, Torleif; Johansson, Michael
Waste is a valuable commodity and remains a livelihood source for waste pickers in the global South. Waste to Energy (WtoE) is often described as alternative to landfilling, as it provides cheap fuel while making waste disappear. In some European cities, this method has evolved into an impediment, slowing down the adoption of more sustainable technologies and waste prevention. These plants typically strain municipal budgets and provide fewer jobs than recycling and composting, thereby inhibiting the development of small-scale local recycling businesses. We applied the idea of ‘waste regime’ with an interdisciplinary and situated lens to provide insights to the following questions: How do different political developments in Brazil and Sweden, frame and reframe waste incineration and energy recovery, in the context of sustainability and waste management on local, regional and national levels? What forms of resistance against WtoE exist and what are the arguments of these protagonists? We evaluated the impact of WtoE and compare it with other waste management options with regard to CO2 balances and general environmental and social impacts. We conclude by suggesting more socially and environmentally appropriate ways of waste management, particularly for the context of global South cities.
Exploring waste and sanitation-borne hazards in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh
(Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, 2022) Uddin, Sayed Mohammad Nazim; Gutberlet, Jutta; Chowdhury, Anika Tasnim; Parisa, Tahlil Ahmed; Nuzhat, Samiha; Chowdhury, Sidratun Nur
Improper sanitation and waste management is the number one cause for ill health, disease and death throughout the world, particularly under extremely dense living conditions in refugee camps in the global South. This paper discusses the results of a mixed-method study conducted in Rohingya refugee camps, located in Chittagong, Bangladesh, currently hosting the world's largest concentration of refugees. Our structured questionnaire, group discussion and interviews were centered on waste-borne hazards. The research has evidenced severe challenges associated with overall precarious sanitation and waste situations in the camps. Garbage littering and open defecation are widely practiced. Congested drainage systems contribute to flooding, bringing waste and contaminants into people's homes. Improvements can be made by involving camp inhabitants in decision-making processes and giving them greater ownership in everyday infrastructure maintenance. Our research suggests that community participation is the key tool to maintain proper cleanliness of drains and toilets. Creating a stronger sense of community in the camps and practicing transparency and inclusion in planning and decision-making can contribute to addressing the key threats identified in this research and also apply to other refugee camps worldwide, with similar hazardous living conditions.
Global plastic pollution and informal waste pickers
(Cambridge Prisms: Plastics, 2023) Gutberlet, Jutta
UNICATA is a university for and with waste pickers based on Paulo Freire's popular education pedagogy, knowledge democracy and the practice of peer learning. The aim is to create a learning space of excellence where one can dream, dare, innovate, and be inspired by transformative ideas and achievements. This university will increase access to knowledge and expand the possibilities for reflection, for a population that suffers from social exclusion and high vulnerability. Worldwide waste pickers are major protagonists in collecting, separating, and redirecting recyclable materials into the circular economy. Research demonstrates that waste pickers are central figures in educating households on waste separation practices, adding value to recovered materials, building community by integrating socially excluded individuals into their collective workspaces, indirectly also mitigating environmental and climate impacts. While these positive effects of inclusive recycling are increasingly recognized in the academic literature, unfair remuneration, stigmatization, and risk-prone or unhealthy working conditions are still the prevailing realities. This paper discusses reflections on recent experiences of implementing UNICATA in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil, in 2023, with a pilot project developing and delivering the introductory module which was successfully completed by 22 students. The research takes a social constructivist lens to uncover the colonial social and political injustices through experiential and student-centered education. Our results reveal some noticeable assets and barriers in creating inclusive education for a large population that is widely neglected, in many different geographic contexts, thus also filling a gap towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Grassroots eco-social innovations driving inclusive circular economy
(Detritus, 2023) Gutberlet, Jutta
The paper discusses research results on waste governance and circular economy, conducted with waste picker cooperatives in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil. Two cases have been selected, from a pool of 21 waste picker organizations, to video document their grassroots eco-social innovations that have improved local waste management and the lives of the cooperative members. The videos support knowledge sharing with key actors in waste governance and the circular economy. Social grassroots innovation theory focuses on livelihood opportunities beyond the formal labour market, pursuing social inclusion by creating meaningful work for individuals who were considered left out and in vulnerable situations. Transitioning to sustainability necessarily goes beyond socio-technical innovations but rather integrates eco-social perspectives. After first introducing grassroots innovation theory and the concept of eco-social innovations the paper describes the empirical frame and presents two cases where organized waste pickers were successful in operationalizing innovations that address the circular economy and contribute to sustainability transitions. Key findings highlighted are cooperative governance, long-term partnership building, improved productivity and increased income.
Grassroots innovations in ‘extreme’ urban environments. The inclusive recycling movement
(Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space, 2023) Zapata Campos, María José; Carenzo, Sebastián; Charles, Goodluck; Gutberlet, Jutta; Kain, Jaan-Henrik; Oloko, Michael O.; Reynosa, Jessica Pérez; Zapata, Patrik
Waste pickers all over the world work innovatively to reduce the environmental footprint of cities as they struggle to meet their critical livelihood obligations. Informed by the case of waste picker organizations (WPOs) this article examines how grassroots initiatives and extreme-niche innovations are created and sustained by mobilizing resources, rationales and relations. The study is informed by a cross-national survey and in-depth interviews with WPOs in Argentina, Brazil, Nicaragua, Kenya and Tanzania, and builds upon theories of grassroots innovation movements. The findings show how operating in contexts of extreme scarcity, these grassroots organisations tap into local resources, e.g. tacit knowledge, economies of affection and other socially embedded institutional resources. Blending material and environmental rationales, contributes to expanding their audiences and to gaining further support. In such deprived urban contexts, radical and cumulative crises and events hindering residents’ livelihoods can paradoxically also spark ingenuity out of necessity, and the transformation of these settings into extreme niches of innovation. Finally, the mobilization of relations through the formation of networks linking WPOs with supportive intermediaries and global circuits of solidarity becomes another fundamental resilience strategy by which WPOs can navigate contested environments and insert their extreme-niche innovations in governmental structures. By simultaneously adopting a broad repertoire of strategies of insertion, contention, and mobilization WPO and their innovations thrive in highly constrained environments. We conclude with reflecting on how ‘extreme’ niches of innovation − at the cracks of the formal city, economy and waste systems − can unleash the creative power of stigmatized, illiterate and neglected grassroots to experiment with new solutions in resource-poor environments.
Grassroots social innovation of waste pickers as critique of the existing social order
(Oxford, 2025) Gutberlet, Jutta; de Carvalho Vallin, Isabella
Grassroots initiatives in the waste sector can contribute to reducing poverty, increasing social inclusion, creating gender equity, and tackling a range of other social, environmental, and climate change objectives. In many parts of the world, organized waste pickers have developed leadership by delivering ecosocial contributions, helping cities deal with waste management, and addressing social valorization within the waste value chain. The activities of these grassroots agents entail an open critique of existing social and political orders, expressed in current mainstream regimes of waste and waste management. Novel practices emerge from marginal ‘niche’ contexts, in which waste pickers experiment with technological innovations, develop alternative governance forms, or obtain successful strategies for increasing income. This chapter discusses the ways in which waste pickers develop their own solutions to tackle the bottlenecks, challenges, and questions that they face in their everyday work life.
Greenhouse gas emission reduction based on social recycling: A case study with waste picker cooperatives in Brasília, Brazil
(Sustainability, 2023) Mesquita, Julia L.C.; Gutberlet, Jutta; de Araujo, Katiuscia P.; Cruvinel, Vanessa R.N.; Duarte, Fabiano H.
Solid waste is a major contributor to climate change due to the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) during the decomposition of waste. As a consequence, waste should be avoided, and an appropriate destination should be given to all materials that are discarded. While not the only strategy, recycling is a fundamental process in addressing this problem. In 2013, a study carried out with one waste picker cooperative in São Paulo has paved the way to assessing the impact of recycling on GHG emission reduction, by using the methodological tools of the Clean Development Mechanism of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change. The objective of our study is to evaluate the applicability of this methodology to different work environments, measuring greenhouse gas emission reductions and energy saving as a consequence of recycling. Our study involves three waste picker organizations located in the city of Brasília, Brazil. The three cooperatives have made secondary data for 2019 on their material input and output available. The following variables were considered: type and amount of solid waste collected, type of machines used, energy sources and transport routes. The data analysis verified that waste picker organizations significantly contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and energy savings. We conclude that this methodology can be applied successfully to calculate emission reductions and energy savings from material recycling in different recycling contexts. Ultimately, this research recognizes the positive environmental and climate impact of the work of waste pickers, which needs to be recognized and remunerated.
Impacts of Covid-19 on organized waste pickers in selected municipalities in the State of São Paulo
(Ambiente & Sociedade, 2022) de Azevedo, Adalberto Mantovani Martiniano; Gutberlet, Jutta; Araújo, Solange Dias De; Duarte, Fabiano H.
This study, carried out with waste picker organizations in 32 municipalities in the State of São Paulo, seeks to analyze the impacts of the pandemic (Covid-19) on their activities, including measures taken by the government and other actors, in order to alleviate the impacts resulting from the crisis. Our theoretical framework discusses the relationships between social movements and public policies. Organized waste pickers provide selective collection services, interacting with different levels of government in situations of collaboration and conflict, with frequent collective actions seeking improvements. Bibliographic research and application of questionnaires inform about the interactions of waste pickers, showing structural and systemic problems, highlighting their demands as a social movement. Este estudio, realizado con organizaciones de recicladores en 32 municipios del Estado de São Paulo, busca analizarlos impactos de la pandemia de la Covid-19 en las actividades de estas organizaciones y sus miembros, incluyendo las medidas tomadas por el gobierno y otros actores para paliar los impactos resultantes de la crisis. El marco teórico discute la relación entre movimientos sociales y políticas públicas, ya que los recicladores organizados interactúan con diversos niveles de gobierno en situaciones de colaboración y conflicto, brindan servicios de gestión de residuos municipales, con frecuentes acciones colectivas que buscan mejoras. La investigación documental y la aplicación de cuestionarios informan sobre las interacciones de los recicladores, destacando los problemas estructurales y sistémicos, mostrando sus dificultades, logros y demandas como movimiento social. Resumo Este estudo, realizado com organizações de catadores em 32 municípios do Estado de São Paulo, busca analisar os impactos da Pandemia de Covid-19 sobre as atividades dessas organizações e seus integrantes, incluindo as medidas tomadas pelo governo e outros atores visando aliviar os impactos decorrentes da crise.O referencial teórico discute a relação entre movimentos sociais e políticas públicas, uma vez que catadores organizados interagem com diversos níveis de governo em situações de colaboração e conflito, prestam serviços de gerenciamento de resíduos municipais, sendo frequentes ações coletivas buscando melhorias nessa relação. Pesquisa documental e aplicação de questionários informam sobre as interações dos catadores, evidenciando problemas estruturais e sistêmicos que ganharam relevo com a crise, destacando suas dificuldades, conquistas e reivindicações como movimento social.
Invisible Green Guardians: A long-term study on informal waste pickers' contributions to recycling and the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions
(Cleaner Waste Systems, 2025) Reis-Filho, José Amorim; Gutberlet, Jutta; Giarrizzo, Tommaso
Recycling plays a crucial role in the circular economy by reintroducing materials into the supply chain. However, certain aspects of the recycling chain, such as the role of informal waste pickers remain underappreciated, despite their significant impact on energy savings and CO2 recovery. This study investigates the contribution of informal waste pickers to the recovery of recyclable solid waste in Salvador, one of the largest cities in South America, over a 13-year period. Using data from pre-recycling centers that exclusively handle materials collected by waste pickers, we tracked the temporal impact of their activities in diverting solid waste from landfills. From 2010–2022, waste pickers recovered approximately 5700 tonnes of recyclable solid waste, preventing an estimated 27,100 tonnes of CO2 emissions through material substitution and landfill diversion. The most recovered materials were PET, aluminum, and paper/cardboard, with a notable shift toward increased aluminum recovery. Aluminum and PET contributed most to avoided emissions, with aluminum surpassing PET in recent years. This study underscores the critical yet often undervalued role of informal waste pickers in municipal solid waste management (MSWM) and their contribution to greenhouse gas emission reductions. Given the global prevalence of waste pickers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, further research on this topic could significantly enhance awareness of the benefits derived from their labor. Recognizing and integrating informal waste pickers into formal waste management systems could strengthen sustainability initiatives in cities and enhance climate change mitigation strategies under dynamic needs of urban populations.
Participatory research revealing the work and occupational health hazards of cooperative recyclers in Brazil
(International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2013) Gutberlet, Jutta; Baeder, Angela M.; Pontuschka, Nidia N.; Felipone, Sonia M. N.; dos Santos, Tereza L. F.
Although informal waste collectors are sometimes organized in cooperatives, their working conditions remain extremely precarious and unsafe. The paper discusses the findings of action oriented, participatory qualitative research with several recycling groups in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil. During workshops with the recyclers mapping, acting, and drawing methods helped reveal health hazards from collection, separation and transportation of recyclable materials. Major health problems relate to chemical and biological hazards, musculoskeletal damage, mechanical trauma and poor emotional wellbeing. The recent federal legislation on solid waste management opens new avenues for the inclusion of recycling cooperatives in selective waste collection. Nevertheless, we express the need to consider the distinctive characteristics and vulnerabilities of recycling groups, when developing safer work environments in these social businesses. We also suggest that the workspace be ergonomically organized and that public awareness campaigns about selective waste collection are conducted regularly to increase the quality of source separation. The introduction of electric hand pushed carts can further reduce health strains. This research has produced a better understanding of the work of the recyclers and related health risks. The interactive qualitative research methodology has allowed for the co-creation and mobilization of specific knowledge on health and safety in recycling cooperatives.
Participatory solid waste governance and the role of social and solidarity economy: Experiences from São Paulo, Brazil
(Detritus, 2020) Gutberlet, Jutta; Besen, Gina Rizpah; Morais, Leandro Pereira
Waste governance is emerging as transdisciplinary and inter-sectoral approach to waste management and policy, overcoming primarily prescriptive engineering perspectives of waste. The process of governing waste involves the articulation of different structures, institutions, policies, practices and actors. Paying attention to issues of power, scale, and equity are important in the search for more democratic practices. Innovative forms of governance are emerging as decentralized, participatory and inclusive, focused on waste reduction and resource recovery. Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) is an innovative alternative in generating work and income and a response in favor of social and labor inclusion. It can also be considered as a new, more humane and inclusive development model. With this article we aim to provide practical knowledge on the contributions of grassroots organizations and networks in waste management, supporting the discussion of waste governance in the context of the SSE. We present different experiences of waste picker organizations in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil to showcase their assets and to discuss prevailing challenges. Employing the SSE as a new development model allows us to address everyday issues of waste generation, management and governance in Brazilian cities and in other parts of the world; particularly from the perspective of organized waste pickers in associations, cooperatives and networks. This is a development paradigm which goes beyond just economic considerations, as highlighted with examples from waste management.
Plastic pollution, waste management issues, and circular economy opportunities in rural communities
(Sustainability, 2021) Mihai, Florin-Constantin; Gündoğdu, Sedat; Markley, Laura A.; Olivelli, Arianna; Khan, Farhan R.; Gwinnett, Claire; Gutberlet, Jutta; Reyna-Bensusan, Natalia; Llanquileo-Melgarejo, Paula; Meidiana, Christia; Elagroudy, Sherien; Ishchenko, Vitalii; Penney, Simon; Lenkiewicz, Zoe; Molinos-Senante, Maria
Rural areas are exposed to severe environmental pollution issues fed by industrial and agricultural activities combined with poor waste and sanitation management practices, struggling to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in line with Agenda 2030. Rural communities are examined through a “dual approach” as both contributors and receivers of plastic pollution leakage into the natural environment (through the air–water–soil–biota nexus). Despite the emerging trend of plastic pollution research, in this paper, we identify few studies investigating rural communities. Therefore, proxy analysis of peer-reviewed literature is required to outline the significant gaps related to plastic pollution and plastic waste management issues in rural regions. This work focuses on key stages such as (i) plastic pollution effects on rural communities, (ii) plastic pollution generated by rural communities, (iii) the development of a rural waste management sector in low- and middle-income countries in line with the SDGs, and (iv) circular economy opportunities to reduce plastic pollution in rural areas. We conclude that rural communities must be involved in both future plastic pollution and circular economy research to help decision makers reduce environmental and public health threats, and to catalyze circular initiatives in rural areas around the world, including less developed communities.
Reimagining urban waste management: Addressing social, climate, and resource challenges in modern cities
(2025-01) Gutberlet, Jutta; Bramryd, Torleif
Governments worldwide are seeking better solutions for solid waste management. Thermal treatment projects are presented as quick fixes for rising waste challenges, without addressing the limitations of incineration. Currently, there is a rise in proposals for thermal treatment technologies in developing countries. Scrutiny of the risks and impacts of these alternatives is necessary due to social, climate, and resource considerations. Energy from waste incineration is considered fossil energy since about half of the CO2 emissions come from fossil polymers in the waste. From a sustainability perspective, landfilling is a short-term option for materials currently unsuitable for recycling. Landfills act as bioreactors, producing valuable biogas, and serve as “resource banks,” storing unrecyclable resources until better recycling techniques are developed. In developing countries manual labor is abundant and material sorting and landfilling are more valuable and have a lower climate and resource footprint. This paper offers a novel, integrated perspective of waste management in view of poverty reduction, climate change and resource conservation.
Social aspects of solid waste in the global South
(OECD Publishing and UNESCO Publishing, 2013) Gutberlet, Jutta
Municipal solid waste is seen either as a nuisance or as a commodity and social dimensions are less important. Waste problems require an integrated, multifaceted, interdisciplinary approach. Informal but organised recycling in Brazil is an example of an innovative, inclusive resource recovery and environmental awareness strategy that has many benefits for the environment and for the waste collectors. Policies need to safeguard the social dimension and the ecological and economic aspects of waste management.
Social movements in the context of crisis: Waste picker organizations as collaborative public partners in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
(Environment & Urbanization, 2023) Gutberlet, Jutta; Mantovani Martiniano de Azevedo, Adalberto; Morais, Leandro; Bacic, Miguel Juan; Silva de Mesquita, Maryellen
Social movements are purposeful, organized groups of people addressing the creation and reproduction of inequality, rights and access issues, seeking to transform sectoral policies. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, social movements have been acting in articulation with government and private companies and through other actions formulated within their networks, as service deliverers to the poor and vulnerable populations most heavily affected, often filling a gap created by unfulfilled policies. Our research with waste picker organizations in Brazil illustrates how their struggle for recognition has taken action in this context. Academic and government documents, social media and online material (blogs, posts, websites, etc.) and virtual meetings inform this research. We found that multiple actors have contributed to mitigate the urgent needs of waste pickers during the pandemic, but that at the same time, pre-existing challenges in waste management and the lack of wide-ranging social and economic inclusion have been further intensified.

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