Introduction: The reality of waste pickers in Brazil reflects a scenario of social vulnerability and precarious work, despite the essential role they play in the management of urban solid waste. In 2024, it is estimated that around 800 thousand professionals work in recycling cooperatives in Brazil, while globally this number exceeds 15 million. However, these statistics do not fully include pickers who work independently and without formal employment. In this context, social occupational therapy presents itself as a fundamental field for promoting rights, strengthening autonomy and improving the living conditions of these workers, inserting itself in the solidarity economy and in the fight for recognition. Objectives: Report the experience of Occupational Therapy students from the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB) with waste pickers from a favela in João Pessoa – Brazil, carried out in partnership with social assistance services and local leaders. Methods/Approach: The action focused on enabling the creation of an association for waste pickers. One of the main challenges was the high illiteracy rate in the group, which makes it difficult for them to participate in demanding their rights and organizing collectively. Results: The results demonstrate that the lack of access to reading and writing directly impacts the autonomy and organization of workers. Social occupational therapy, by promoting spaces for dialogue and political education, strengthened their identity and articulation with public policies. Conclusion: In addition to benefiting the waste pickers, the experience also contributed to the academic and social development of students, highlighting the importance of practices included in public policies to promote social justice for marginalized groups.