The Movimento Nacional dos Catadores de Materiais Recicláveis (MNCR) is a grassroots social movement founded in 2001 that organizes recyclable material collectors (catadores) across Brazil. Rooted in self-management and solidarity economy principles, the MNCR aims to defend the rights and dignify the work of waste pickers by promoting their inclusion in municipal waste systems, access to social protection, and participation in public policy.
The movement unites over 800 cooperatives and associations, collectively representing more than 70,000 waste pickers nationwide. It emerged from decades of informal organizing among marginalized waste workers.
MNCR in Brazil has become a a globally recognized model of inclusion and empowerment. Its success stems from strong grassroots leadership, strategic advocacy that led to Brazil’s National Solid Waste Policy, and partnerships with civil society and government institutions. Through cooperative models, MNCR has helped improve working conditions, incomes, and social dignity for waste pickers. However, the movement continues to face challenges such as inconsistent municipal support, lack of infrastructure, fluctuating material prices, and persistent social stigma.
Country: Brazil
Established: 2001
Scope: National (over 800 cooperatives and associations)
Target Group: Waste pickers (catadores), primarily from low-income and marginalized groups
Focus Areas: Social inclusion, cooperative development, recycling, policy advocacy
Website: mncr.org.br
Social Inclusion: Waste pickers were legally recognized in Brazil’s National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS, 2010), granting them formal roles in recycling services.
Livelihood Security: MNCR members gain access to cooperative-run income systems, social security benefits, and basic rights.
Environmental Benefits: MNCR estimates that its members divert more than 1,000,000 tons of waste from landfills annually.
Political Representation: The movement has secured a seat at major policy tables, including the Ministry of Environment, influencing sustainable waste planning.
Gender Empowerment: A significant portion of MNCR members are women, and many cooperatives are female-led.
Strong Grassroots Organization: Peer-to-peer organizing and long-term movement building are central.
Government Collaboration: Municipal and federal support enabled access to public contracts, training, and facilities.
Legal Frameworks: Inclusion in national waste laws legitimized the role of waste pickers and enabled financing mechanisms.
Capacity Building: Training programs in cooperative management, safety, and logistics enhanced operational capacity.
Solidarity Economy Networks: Partnerships with NGOs, universities, and international donors supported system strengthening.
Opportunity in Lebanon | Lessons from MNCR |
Informal waste picker exclusion | Organizing pickers into cooperatives builds bargaining power and legitimacy. |
Lack of legal recognition | Advocacy for recognition within national waste policies can unlock funding and protection. |
Decentralized systems | Cooperative-run sorting and collection is viable in small towns and rural areas. |
Stigmatization of pickers | Public campaigns and education, led by pickers themselves, help shift public perception. |
Limited municipal budgets | Partnerships between cooperatives and local governments can deliver low-cost, effective recycling services. |
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