"Life cycle assessment: why review 'recycling' as a solution"

Introduction to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a fundamental technical tool for understanding the environmental impacts associated with products or services at all stages, from the extraction of raw materials, through manufacturing, use and final destination. This methodology makes it possible to identify real opportunities for environmental and economic improvement, avoiding superficial or ineffective solutions.

The Concept of Recycling and Its Current Practice

Recycling is often presented as the panacea for reducing environmental impacts in solid waste management. However, the practical implementation of recycling presents significant challenges and often fails to meet the expectations envisaged within the framework of sustainability. The popular perception that recycling alone solves all problems lacks critical analysis and in-depth technical data.

Why Review Recycling? Limitations and Risks

Despite being provided for and encouraged in the National Solid Waste Policy (Law No. 12.305/2010 - http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2007-2010/2010/lei/l12305.htm), recycling is often not enough to ensure that environmental impacts are minimized. Difficulties such as material contamination, poor separation processes and logistical limitations compromise efficiency. In addition, recycling consumes energy and inputs that can cause non-negligible impacts, highlighting the need for detailed analysis by LCA.

Integration of the Circular Economy Concept and Process Redesign

Reviewing recycling as a solution necessarily involves integrating Life Cycle Assessment and the circular economy model, which prioritizes product redesign, reuse and reduction at the waste source, minimizing dependence on recycling as an isolated stage. This approach allows for a global analysis of the use of natural resources and environmental impacts.

Applied Examples and Supporting Legislation

The National Solid Waste Management Information System (SiNIR) - https://sinir.gov.br and the SiNIR Technical Manual (https://mtr.sinir.gov.br) subsidize the development of sustainable practices based on official data. CETESB also provides technical guidelines and monitoring data. In addition, compliance with the National Waste Policy requires attention to integrated management, taking into account the principles of the waste hierarchy.

Recycling in the Context of the Safe Disposal of Electronic Equipment

In the specific case of electronic equipment, collection and reuse must be carried out safely and with traceability. For the correct disposal of outdated or obsolete equipment, it is recommended to make an appointment via a platform specializing in electronic waste collection. On the other hand, the disposal of storage devices, such as hard drives or media, requires processes of safe disposal and sanitization to protect sensitive data and avoid legal risks.

Conclusion: The Need for a Critical and Scientific Look

Life Cycle Assessment offers an essential technical basis for reviewing conventional practices and recognizing that recycling, although important, cannot be the only solution for environmental management. The strategy must evolve into a systemic, intelligent and resilient model, which includes reduction, reuse, recycling and integrated treatment, within the regulatory framework and best technical practices.

The Life Cycle Assessment provides an essential technical basis for reviewing conventional practices and recognizing that recycling cannot be the only solution for environmental management.