Enhancing Health & Safety in Waste cooperatives: BVRio and AEPW take action
BVRio, in partnership with the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW), is strengthening health and safety standards in six waste picker cooperatives in Rio de Janeiro. The initiative is key to promoting a safer and more professional recycling sector in Brazil, protecting workers and consolidating the foundations for long-term operational sustainability.
BVRio’s circular economy team regularly visits the supported cooperatives to identify needs, implement solutions, and provide ongoing support. The project covers a wide range of improvements, from equipment acquisition and fire and electrical safety upgrades to organisational development, financial management, and the introduction of digital systems for registering and tracking materials through the KOLEKT app, which enables more efficient processes.
At Coopideal, progress is visible both in infrastructure and in work culture. A new changing room and toilet were built with the cooperative’s own resources after a rise in productivity enabled by the purchase of a new truck in February this year. Structured processes are also being introduced to ensure workers consistently use personal protective equipment (PPE).
The recent acquisition of a forklift marked a historic moment for the members. “The new forklift represents an improvement to our structure and the trust placed in our mission. We are deeply grateful to BVRio and the Alliance to End Plastic Waste for believing in our work and recognising the daily efforts of all cooperative members,” said Ana Carla, who has been leading Coopideal for many years after beginning her career in an open dump. “This partnership strengthens and motivates us to keep moving forward, showing that with unity and dedication, we can achieve great things.”
The legal regularisation marked a turning point for Coopromar (First Cooperative of Marine Waste Pickers). With its documentation in order, the cooperative can now issue invoices. This opens the door to contracts with companies and public agencies, ensures greater legal security, and provides better conditions for negotiation. “This achievement strengthens the position of waste pickers in the recycling market, giving formal recognition to their work as a structuring part of Brazil’s waste management chain.” Maria Accioly, BVRio’s Circular Economy Specialist.
Other cooperatives are also seeing advances. Coopama has reinforced fire safety with new electrical wiring, evacuation routes and warehouse refurbishment. EccoPonto, the largest of the six, will receive a shredder to replace the hazardous manual cutting of rigid plastics, eliminating a serious safety risk and increasing productivity. The cooperative is also introducing better cleaning routines, containment barriers for waste storage, and railings for elevated work areas. At Cootrabom, investments will focus on regularising documentation and improving safety, with training and upgraded equipment to comply with safety standards.
Across all cooperatives, PPE use is being reinforced. Boots and gloves are standard, with protective eyewear and hearing protection used in higher-risk areas. “Our goal is to ensure that cooperative workers have the protection and infrastructure they need to operate safely,” said Pedro Succar, BVRio Circular Economy Specialist. “We are creating a more resilient and professional recycling sector.”
The improvements bring direct benefits to workers and strengthen the foundations of Brazil’s recycling system. They also represent additionality in the plastic credits market, as these impacts would not have occurred without this support. By ensuring legal compliance, digital traceability and safer operations, the project guarantees that credit claims correspond to verifiable and additional improvements.
