The issue of producing urban solid waste generates several socio-environmental impacts in
cities. The recycling of this waste, carried out by workers known as recyclable waste pickers,
who work in the collection, sorting, classification, processing and commercialization of
recyclable urban solid waste, can mitigate these impacts. From this context, the thesis aims to
describe the collection, transportation, treatment and final disposal practices given to urban
solid waste in Palmas – TO, which has a population of 302,692 inhabitants (IBGE, 2022), as
well as highlighting the changes that have occurred in the transition from landfills to landfills
and analyze the responsible parties involved in the process. The conventional collection system
for urban solid waste has increased over the years, currently reaching 100% coverage in urban
areas, including districts (PALMAS, 2022). Furthermore, the main socio-environmental
impacts related to the production of this urban solid waste over the years in Palmas were
identified, focusing on the invisibility of recyclable materials collectors and the factors that
contribute to this invisibility. To carry out this research, the case study was applied as an
investigative strategy, using qualitative methodology. Bibliographic and documentary research
was used, with primary and secondary data, in addition to observational research using a field
diary, conducted during visits to city hall partners in selective collection programs and as a
member of the State Forum on Waste and Citizenship (FELC). The photographic survey was
also used as a research tool in the field investigation, with the aim of recording the situation of
recyclable urban solid waste. The results indicate that the work of recyclable waste pickers is
extremely important for the municipality, as it minimizes the socio-environmental impacts of
the growing amount of urban solid waste generated and provides support for several families.
However, the invisibility of collectors, especially those organized in associations and
cooperatives, persists largely due to the lack of participation from society, non-compliance with
current legislation and insufficient supervision of public policies relating to selective collection,
which does not reach currently recycle 3% of what is generated (SNIS, 2021).
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