One of the guidelines of Vale’s Waste Management Plan is the valuation of recyclable waste and its allocation to cooperatives near our operating sites. In Brazil’s southeastern state of Minas Gerais, we develop a project to strengthen cooperatives and associations with the goal of increasing the resilience of these organizations and enhancing their capacity to receive recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard and plastics from Vale’s mines. This project aims to generate positive social, environmental and economic impact. 

The project involved 155 waste pickers in nine municipalities. Besides strengthening the unity among cooperative member and opening leadership to new projects and activities, the initiative significantly increased earning and productivity. 

The results include a 25% increase in the sale of recyclable materials and a 72% increase in average monthly revenue. Productivity also grew by 40%, along with improvements in ergonomics and quality of life for cooperative members. Every year, we allocate approximately 400 tons of recyclable waste to cooperatives in the state. This initiative demonstrates Vale's commitment to sustainability and community development, promoting waste management that benefits both the environment and society.