Perception of traders on urban solid waste management in Araçuaí/MG

Abstract

Environmental problems, such as solid waste management, are increasingly present in the the population lives and in the commercial environment. In this context, this article aims to know the traders' perception about the management of urban solids in the city of Araçuaí, Northeast of Minas Gerais. For this, a questionnaire with ten questions was applied to 62 individuals active in the trade. The results shows that the majority of respondents are employees (81.94%), followed by managers (12.50%) and owners (5.56%). According to the majority of the merchants, the responsibility for the waste lies with the municipality, which is performed through the public cleaning service, and the landfill is the best destination for waste generated in commercial establishments. Traders are aware of the terms selective collection and recyclables and have given them a lot of importance. However, they do not apply them and they are unaware of reverse logistics materials. Thus, it is concluded that the perception of Araçuaí / MG merchants about solid waste management is restricted, being reflected in their care regarding solid waste produced in their commercial establishments. It is proposed to adopt instruments provided for in the National Solid Waste Policy, such as environmental education programs focused on the theme, promotion of selective collection, as well as the sending of waste to the local waste pickers' association and the encouragement of reverse logistics.