The Ergonomics of Sorting Recyclable Materials: A Case Study of a Brazilian Cooperative

This paper presents a case study of ergonomics in a materials recycling cooperative located in Brazil. Techniques of qualitative analysis and observation of the work environment were conducted to obtain data. Cooperatives are currently an outlet for municipal solid waste management, emerging as a source of income generation and labor integration for people who are marginalized from formal work. The main objective of this study is to analyze the work station of the cooperative with the largest number of workers, specifically the area for sorting recyclable materials. Given that income generation is concurrent with poor working conditions, this paper argues that ergonomics can greatly contribute to the improvement of productivity and the quality of life of the cooperative members.