Abstract

Solid waste treatment is an everyday complex and challenging issue For this reason it becomes a permanent research theme and generates a specific vocabulary This study aims to clarify how an urban community deals with the domestic organic and non-organic waste and other undesirable or unpleasant materials in landfills sidewalks and streets The research is of analytical bibliographical and field type with data collected through structured and semi-structured questions asked to people living around vacant land with large garbage dumps The analyses are based on principles of environmental education It becomes evident that the population copes with the phenomenon although not adequately understanding the cycle of waste materials their treatment and their effects on the health The lack of solution uses to be associated to the lack of punishment On the other hand the cultural habit of throwing garbage in the vicinity of the houses is rooted in childhood It can be inferred that people look but do not see because of an automatic and embedded view of the landscape This automation needs to be shaken for higher consciousness towards solution A vocabulary with the potential of improving perception is generated