CARE ECONOMY AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY: THE ESSENTIAL IS INVISIBLE TO THE EYES OF SOCIETY

This study aims to identify and highlight patterns of gender inequality within the recycling chain in Brazil, focusing on the role of female waste pickers and their interface with organizations. The research adopts a documentary approach based on data from the sixth edition of the 2024 Recycling Yearbook, published by the Instituto Caminhos Sustentáveis, complemented by quantitative data analyzed through descriptive statistics disaggregated by region and state. The results reveal significant regional and income disparities, particularly in the North and Northeast regions, as well as the predominance of women in situations of socioeconomic vulnerability, especially Black women and heads of household, whose contributions remain largely invisible. The study concludes that, although the circular economy represents a promising path to sustainability, its effectiveness depends on the recognition and appreciation of female waste pickers as essential agents of environmental, social, and gender justice.

Keywords:
circular economy; care economy; waste pickers; recycling; inequalities.