The management of municipal solid waste is one of the main challenges of urban sustainability in Brazil, requiring integrated responses involving citizens, recycling workers and the public and private sectors. In this context, Joint Technical Note No. 1/2020/SPPI/MMA/FUNASA recommends that municipalities with up to 250,000 inhabitants carry out waste sorting even when collection is mixed. Based on the principles of the National Solid Waste Policy, the Legal Framework for Sanitation and the concepts of health and decent work, this note argues that such a guideline is contradictory, as it exposes waste pickers to significant occupational risks and offers limited environmental benefits. The recycling of mixed waste is shown to undermine selective collection systems, intensify social vulnerabilities and jeopardize workers’ health. The paper concludes by advocating for the exclusion of this recommendation and the adoption of an integrated approach grounded in source separation, solidarity economy, adequate infrastructure and permanent environmental education.