Evaluating the performance of recycling cooperatives in their operational activities in the recycling chain

Abstract In developing countries, recyclable material collectors cooperatives are presented as a public policy model for managing urban solid wastes with recyclable potential (MSWRP). They are a fundamental part of the resources recovery chain. Thus, this study proposes a method to help analyse the management performance of cooperatives in their operational activities in the recycling chain (OARC): in waste collection management, in production management, in waste marketing management, and as an instrument of social inclusion, income generation and MSWRP reduction. To exemplify the application of the method, longitudinal research was carried out on some characteristics of cooperatives based in a medium-sized city in Brazil. For data treatment, the DEA-SBM models, Tobit regression and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used. The results indicated that cooperatives are heterogeneous, with different levels of management performance and administrative organisation. This presents communication difficulties and creates disparities in the rent paid by the collection centres for the collection trucks. In some cases, cooperatives are organised with separate administrative sectors, while in others all administrative functions are performed by the president. The results also indicated the need for maintenance and an increase in public actions to integrate the cooperatives and waste collectors with the aim to guarantee greater control in the collection, production and commercialisation of MSWRP. This is important as improvements in cooperatives’ management performances in their OARC are fundamental to their survival and the improvement of their members’ quality of life.