[What garbage represents for municipal collectors and recyclers in Fortaleza, State of Ceará (Brazil)].

This study sought to elicit a discussion about the significance of garbage from the standpoint of a group of municipal garbage collectors and garbage recyclers resident in Fortaleza, State of Ceará. Using qualitative methodology and the individual interview technique, this work presents the results of ongoing research that has been conducted together with the employees involved in the collection of household garbage in Fortaleza, State of Ceará, and those working in a plant for separating recyclable materials. During the period under analysis of the "world of garbage" eight interviews were staged. After transcription and interpretation of the interviews, it became clear that the respondents perceive garbage as being prejudicial to health (due to the various diseases it causes) and also as a means of survival (as a result of non-inclusion in the labor market due to lack of study and/or opportunity).