The initiative assists the most disadvantaged waste collectors and improves their livelihoods while striving to promote sustainability through increased carton package recycling.
More participation, more opportunities
The low participation of autonomous waste pickers in carton package collection in Brazil poses challenges for recycling as well as in terms of understanding the social realities of the entire collection chain. Waste pickers face difficulties sustaining themselves and their families due to limited income. By supporting the Cataki project, Tetra Pak places these two challenges at the centre of their approach.
Cataki – a variation of “cata aqui”, meaning “pick it up here” –uses an app to match collectors with those who want to dispose of recyclable waste. It has been crucial in connecting autonomous waste pickers with waste picker cooperatives and providing financial incentives by increasing the value of collected materials, specifically used beverage cartons. The Cataki+ Longa Vida programme refers to, e.g., long-life milk, which is commonly packaged in Tetra Pak cartons.
Participating waste pickers are paid per kilo of used beverage cartons collected and delivered to the cooperatives, while the cooperatives receive an identical bonus for the service. Autonomous waste pickers are also entitled to food cards, personal protective equipment, and other support items that help improve their working and living conditions. The project began with seven waste pickers cooperatives and almost four hundred autonomous waste pickers covering the cities of São Paulo and Belo Horizonte.
Understanding and addressing challenges
In the years since it began, the Cataki+ LongaVida programme has provided a deeper understanding of the reality faced by autonomous waste collectors. It has been an opportunity to engage directly with autonomous waste collectors in several cities – expanding to Porto Alegre and Fortaleza – positively impacting their working and living conditions.
The project has not been without challenges. These include homelessness and a lack of identification documents, which obstruct access to social security, employment, and health care. While tackling this systemic issue at scale depends on collaborative efforts involving companies, government offices, workers’ organisations and other actors, there are some immediate steps that Tetra Pak has taken with Cataki through an initiative called Coletando com Cidadania (Collecting with Citizenship). This programme supports 50 homeless autonomous waste collectors, helping them to obtain identification documents, access government benefit programs, and register in the Brazilian health care system.
Improve recycling and pickers’ income
The Cataki app, which streamlines the collection process and improves working conditions for waste pickers, has helped to reduce working hours and promote well-being. It has also profoundly impacted the perception waste pickers have regarding their profession. They report increased awareness of the social and environmental importance of their job and experience renewed pride in their work. Moreover, over 57% of app users improved their incomes by receiving more collection requests and selling more waste material, increasing financial stability.
In 2023, 50 participants were selected for the Collecting with Citizenship programme, and an inaugural meeting was held to identify their needs. More meetings are planned for 2024, as are organising efforts to obtain identification documents, register in the government system for social benefits, and enrol them in the Brazilian health system.
