Ilhéus launches recycling and bulk‑waste collection programs for catadores

Ilhéus, Brazil, has become the first municipality to join the national "Projeto Pró‑Catadores," a partnership between Sebrae and the city hall aimed at strengthening waste‑picker cooperatives. The first phase supports the Cooperativa Coolimpa and the Associação de Catadores de Materiais Recicláveis Vivendo Melhor with consultancy on management, internal organization and marketing of recyclable materials, and includes a diagnostic of the city’s solid‑waste system to guide future investments and policies.

During the Innovation Festival (July 15‑18), an “Arena da Reciclagem” will be set up where residents can drop off recyclables, watch sorting, and learn about catadores’ work; after the festival a permanent ecopoint will remain at Praça da Catedral.

The municipality also continues the “Cata‑treco” operation, a bulk‑waste collection service proposed by councilor Odailson Aranha. Scheduled pickups allow residents to dispose of large items such as furniture and appliances, reducing illegal dumping, improving urban cleanliness, and supporting public health and quality of life.