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Littering Behaviour in Multicultural Slums: A Case Study from Brazil

Author

Listed:
  • Patrícia Silva

    (Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal)

  • Mário Ramos

    (Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
    MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/Associate Laboratory ARNET—Aquatic Research Network, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Ana Alves

    (Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
    MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/Associate Laboratory ARNET—Aquatic Research Network, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Graça Martinho

    (Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
    MARE—Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/Associate Laboratory ARNET—Aquatic Research Network, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal)

Abstract

Morro do Banco , a slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is home to a community composed mainly of Brazilian and Venezuelan nationals, where littering is a persistent issue. This study investigates the causes of littering and examines the differences in perceptions and littering behaviours between residents, addressing a research gap in multicultural slums. A face-to-face survey was conducted with 150 residents, complemented by interviews with community members and professionals from urban cleaning and waste management services. Visual observations were also made. The results indicate that littering is primarily linked to a lack of containers for waste disposal and collection, as well as residents’ failure to dispose of waste at the designated times. There is a notable absence of awareness campaigns aimed at addressing the problem. While both communities recognise the littering issue, Venezuelan residents are less aware of public services and report observing lower levels of littering than Brazilian residents. Furthermore, Brazilians tend to place more responsibility on local authorities, while Venezuelans attribute responsibility to the central government. Venezuelans also express less support for oversight actions involving penalties compared to Brazilians. These findings highlight the need for targeted awareness campaigns and inclusive policies to effectively tackle littering in multicultural slums.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrícia Silva & Mário Ramos & Ana Alves & Graça Martinho, 2025. "Littering Behaviour in Multicultural Slums: A Case Study from Brazil," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:10:p:4679-:d:1659684
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ruggero Rangoni & Wander Jager, 2017. "Social Dynamics of Littering and Adaptive Cleaning Strategies Explored Using Agent-Based Modelling," Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, vol. 20(2), pages 1-1.
    2. Romero, Cláudia Buhamra Abreu & Laroche, Michel & Aurup, Golam Mohammad & Ferraz, Sofia Batista, 2018. "Ethnicity and acculturation of environmental attitudes and behaviors: A cross-cultural study with Brazilians in Canada," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 300-309.
    3. Thaisa Comelli & Isabelle Anguelovski & Eric Chu, 2018. "Socio-spatial legibility, discipline, and gentrification through favela upgrading in Rio de Janeiro," City, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(5-6), pages 633-656, November.
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