The role of a higher education institution in relation to a recycling project

Abstract

This article aimed to understand the role of a Higher Education Institution in the face of sustainable local development based on its performance in a recycling project to improve working conditions and income. For this, a qualitative-descriptive research was developed, through a single intrinsic case study, in which the data emerged from in-depth interviews, non-participant observation and analysis of secondary sources, which were treated through interpretive textual analysis. The main results show that the HEI, through the recycling project, has been providing greater visibility to the recyclers, reinserting them into society, as well as generating better income, in addition to contributing directly to the environmental issue, which needs greater support, the in order to generate greater gains in all spheres, whether social, economic or environmental. Therefore, the recognition and respect of the community in relation to recycling, the inclusion of families of recyclers in socio-assistance and educational programs, make visible the social transformations caused.