Comportamento socioambiental associado à coleta seletiva em condomínio residencial na cidade de Manaus-AM

Abstract

Solid waste is one of the challenging environmental issues in the city of Manaus. Due to population growth, urbanization and the intensive use of packaging, the amount of solid urban waste continues to increase. Selective collection and recycling are necessary practices capable of reducing the negative consequences generated by waste and encourage socio-environmental behavior in the people who apply it. This study aimed to analyze the effective participation of residents in the practice of selective collection in a condominium in the city of Manaus-AM. It is a descriptive-exploratory research through a case study. The instruments used were directed and participant observation, questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. 101 people participated in this study, 56 women and 45 men. The information generated by the observation and the questionnaire allowed the Descriptive Analysis of the environment and behavior by employees and residents. The data obtained by the interview were submitted to Content Analysis. All quantitative analyzes were performed using the SPSS (Social Package for Social Sciences) program. This research revealed the weaknesses and difficulties for the implementation and success of selective collection programs that focus on structural and operational issues, leaving the bias of human behavior related to the environment in the background. The results show that the residents perceive the selective collection both in a more zealous and caring way (aspects of conduct) and in a more technical and objective way (environmental aspects). The biggest motivating factor is the minimization of environmental impacts caused, however many still have difficulties and suspicions about the activity, revealing a lack of information and training on the part of the condominium and the public sector. It was found that the lack of interest, the lack of resources and the lack of knowledge are the barriers that prevent the adhesion of this important practice by more people.