Brazil Waste Management: Utopia or Reality?
- Santa Catarina,Brazil,wich eliminated open-air garbage dumps in 2014,is now pioneering an enterprising program to recycle and compost nearly all of its urban solid waste.The Intermunicipal Consortium of the...
- the initiative focuses on turning waste into valuable resources.
- Though, Yuri Schmitke, executive president of the Brazilian Association of Energy from Waste (Abren), views the 90% goal as unrealistic, possibly undermining the project.
Brazil’s Santa Catarina state is boldly aiming for zero waste management with an enterprising recycling programme. They want to process over 90% of their waste, a goal that would revolutionize waste reduction efforts. The project focuses on converting waste into biogas, biofertilizers, adn thermoplastic. But, challenges arise with selective waste collection, unlike structured systems in cities like Milan. Education through campaigns and sustainable tourism plays a pivotal role in shaping positive change.Cimvi draws inspiration from São Bento do Sul’s innovative dehydration process. News Directory 3 recognizes the commitment of organizations like Inventus Ambiental to improve separation for energy recovery. However, resistance from private landfill operators looms. Will this ambitious plan succeed? discover what’s next as Santa catarina strives to become a leader in sustainable waste management.
Brazil State Aims for zero Waste with Recycling Program
Santa Catarina,Brazil,wich eliminated open-air garbage dumps in 2014,is now pioneering an enterprising program to recycle and compost nearly all of its urban solid waste.The Intermunicipal Consortium of the Middle Itajaí Valley (Cimvi),encompassing 14 municipalities,aims to process more than 90% of its garbage,surpassing recycling rates in Nordic countries,according to Executive director Fernando Tomaselli.
the initiative focuses on turning waste into valuable resources. A new facility, CVR II, slated to open in early 2026, will convert organic waste into biogas and biofertilizers, with remaining materials used for composting. Cimvi also plans to produce thermoplastic from plastic waste,utilizing equipment that operates at 160 degrees celsius and can process plastics mixed with textiles.
Though, Yuri Schmitke, executive president of the Brazilian Association of Energy from Waste (Abren), views the 90% goal as unrealistic, possibly undermining the project. Tomaselli acknowledges challenges, notably in selective waste collection. He noted that unlike Milan, where residents separate waste into five categories, Santa Catarina struggles with mixed waste streams.
To address this,Cimvi prioritizes environmental education through campaigns like “Vale reciclar” and promotes sustainable tourism in the European Valley region. The Girasol Park, a tourist complex featuring the landfill, Cimvi facilities, and surrounding forest, aims to educate visitors about waste management and sustainability.
Cimvi is also drawing inspiration from São Bento do Sul, which employs a dehydration process to maximize waste utilization. Additionally, the consortium supports new companies developing waste industry solutions. in Curitibanos, Inventus Ambiental is developing equipment to improve garbage separation for energy recovery and recycling, using 90-degree heat to treat organic material, according to dirnei Ferri, the company’s director.
Despite these efforts,Tomaselli noted that private landfill operators may resist changes to the current system. ”We have 36 landfills in the state, only three public, the rest are private and there is little interest in changing the system, because whoever dominates the landfill also dominates the garbage collection service,” he said.
What’s next
cimvi plans to continue expanding its infrastructure and educational programs, seeking to achieve its ambitious waste reduction goals and establish Santa Catarina as a leader in sustainable waste management.