Assessment of the socio-economic profile and quality of life of recyclable material collectors of associations in the metropolitan region of grande vitória, es

The modernization was accompanied by social and urban problems. The accumulation of waste in the environment, social exclusion and the need to obtain a source of income justified the emergence of professional waste pickers. Despite it’s importance, these workers suffer discrimination and risky situations in their work. The aim of this study was to evaluate the socioeconomic profile and quality of life of professional collectors from recycling associations in Grande Vitória metropolitan region, Espírito Santo, Brazil. This is an observational study carried out through the application of a socioeconomic form and a quality of life form (WHOQOL-bref). Of the 51 collectors interviewed, there was a predominance of male individuals over 51 years old, married, with high school education and their own residence. Although all respondents declare satisfaction with their work, 41.9% work with recycling due to lack of alternatives and 36.7% have another source of income. The overall and domain quality of life had scores close to or below seventy indicating regular quality of life. It can be concluded that despite the difficulties faced, these workers believe in the importance of the activity performed, feel satisfied with the occupation they perform and declare the desire to continue carrying out grooming.