Combatting corruption is an important factor in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Combating corruption in the urban cleaning sector is also related to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption).

In Brazil, 80 million tonnes in solid waste is generated per year. Municipal contracts for urban cleaning and solid waste recycling services are made through public bidding, due to the complexity and dispersed nature of the sector. Currently some municipalities contract via electronic bidding, which can be seen as a risk to the legality of the process, and may favour certain companies. There are indivisible (waste collection) and divisible (solid waste recycling) services.

The Collective Action initiative has three working areas:

• Engagement of other companies, especially SMEs, to raise companies' awareness about the importance of ethical behaviour and raise government awareness about the mandatory necessity of compliance programmes;
• Content, including developing a Learning Tool and Integrity Commitment
• Advocacy for the requirement of Compliance Programmes to participate in bids

In December 2019, the initiative released Anti-corruption Principles for the sector, developed together with a Governance Manual. It was signed by the CEOs of the companies and business associations of the sector. See Pacto Setorial de Integridade em Limpeza Urbana e Resíduos Sólidos.