ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY: CHALLENGES OF THE NATIONAL SOLID WASTE POLICY IN THE SOCIO-ENVIRONMENTAL INCLUSION OF WASTE PICKERS

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between administrative efficiency, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic inclusion within the framework of Brazil’s National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS). The objective was to analyze the role of recyclable waste pickers’ cooperatives, identifying the main challenges and potential opportunities related to efficient solid waste management and the promotion of sustainable socio-environmental practices, with a focus on the inclusion and recognition of these workers in urban contexts. The methodology combined bibliographic research and document analysis, emphasizing Brazilian legislation and recent studies on the subject. The results indicate that, although the PNRS has established significant advances, such as formalizing the participation of waste pickers and implementing reverse logistics, structural, social, and economic challenges remain, limiting the full integration of this group. It is concluded that strengthening cooperatives, together with effective public policies and coordinated efforts between government, private sector, and society, is essential to consolidate environmental sustainability and social inclusion in solid waste management.