Challenges and opportunities for waste picker cooperatives during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparative case study of 3 cooperatives in Sao Paulo State, Brazil

This work addressed the impact of the peak period of the pandemic on waste pickers organized in three cooperatives located in different municipalities in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The commercialized data and the invoicing of each cooperative were evaluated, more specifically in terms of plastic materials, since these are part of the most important recyclable for the income generation of the cooperatives and had a great change in volume because of the pandemic. The study was based on the relationship of cooperatives with municipal management in terms of collaborations, provision of municipal waste management services, financial support and guarantees during the peak of the pandemic. On the other hand, the achievements arising from opportunities in the face of a shortage of raw materials around the world, with emphasis also on plastic, were also highlighted. The recommendations are based on the importance of support from the public authorities for these institutions, as well as the need for structured public policies and guarantees for the inclusion of waste pickers.