Análise da economia circular aplicada na cooperativa de reciclagem ecovida palha de arroz, Recife -PE em tempos de pandemia da Covid-19

Abstract

The circular economy has been gaining ground due to its new economic development model based on valuing natural capital and lower generation of solid waste. The objective of this work was the analysis of a circular economy applied in the Ecovida Palha de Arroz Recycling Cooperative, located in the Arruda neighborhood, Recife-PE. For the construction of the present work, a bibliographic survey and field research were carried out to apply the questionnaire to the 16 employees of the Recycling Cooperative. The research approach is qualitative and exploratory in nature. According to the results obtained, Upcycling was identified as a circular economy technique, and it was also possible to verify that, due to the temporary suspension of recycling operations and services, they were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was found that among recyclable materials such as paper, metal and glass, plastic waste was the most rewarding material in the Ecovida Palha de Arroz Recycling Cooperative, with 68.8% and 75% before and during a pandemic, respectively. With the Application of Upcycling, solid waste that is discarded is valued, as it is reinserted in the economic system in order to reuse its components for a new production cycle. Therefore, this practice of circular economy is the path to sustainable development, because with its application it contributes to social inclusion, the economy of natural resources and the minimization of negative externalities on the environment.