Electronic Waste Disposal in Greater São Paulo: Practical Guide

Greater São Paulo is Brazil’s largest urban and industrial region, generating high volumes of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste). When these materials reach the end of their useful life, they must be properly disposed of in accordance with the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS) and state environmental regulations. This guide explains how companies and individuals can correctly dispose of their electronics and batteries in the metropolitan area.

What Is Electronic Waste (E-Waste)

E-waste includes all discarded electrical or electronic equipment, as well as its components and accessories. Examples include:

• Computers, notebooks, monitors, and peripherals;
• Cell phones, tablets, and small electronic devices;
• Routers, switches, printers, and accessories;
• Appliances (white goods and brown goods);
• Automotive, stationary, and industrial batteries;
• Cables, wires, chargers, and circuit boards.

Legal Framework and Best Practices

Brazil’s PNRS (Law No. 12.305/2010) establishes shared responsibility and reverse logistics for various waste streams, including electronics. In São Paulo, the Cetesb licenses operators and oversees environmentally compliant disposal. Companies must demand traceability and final disposal certificates (CDF) for compliance and ESG reporting.

What Ecobraz Collects — and What It Doesn’t

We Collect

• Electronic equipment (IT, household, and consumer electronics);
• Batteries — automotive, stationary, and industrial;
• Cables and wires — including metal recovery and processing.

We Do Not Collect

• Small batteries (AA, AAA, button, alkaline, or rechargeable household types);
• Lamps — fluorescent, vapor, or LED;
• Printer cartridges and toners.

For these items, use authorized programs and certified drop-off points (PEVs) listed by Cetesb, such as Reciclus (for lamps) and ABINEE (for portable batteries). Always verify official channels before delivery.

How to Dispose: For Companies (B2B)

1. Inventory all items: quantities, types, and locations;
2. Classify materials (electronics, batteries, cables, scrap);
3. Request a quotation from Ecobraz with the item list and addresses;
4. Schedule pickup — coordinated logistics and secure transport;
5. Licensed transport and sorting — dismantling, separation, and recycling;
6. Documentation — CDF and ESG-ready disposal reports.

For corporate guidance, see related resources: reverse logistics for electronics, electronics recycling, and cable and wire processing.

How to Dispose: For Individuals

For small residential volumes, use licensed drop-off points (PEVs) and municipal ecopoints. The São Paulo City Hall and Cetesb provide updated lists of approved facilities. Always confirm accepted materials and delivery requirements beforehand.

Examples of Specific Items

• Computers and phones: PEVs, brand take-back programs, or licensed recyclers;
• TVs and appliances: authorized recyclers or city Ecopoints (verify acceptance);
• Small batteries: manufacturer take-back or retail collection points;
• Lamps: Reciclus drop-off locations;
• Printer cartridges/toners: manufacturer or retailer take-back programs.

Data Security and Preparation

• Backup and data wipe before disposal;
• Remove labels or internal identifiers when applicable;
• Pack safely — protect screens and organize cables;
• Handle batteries safely — insulate terminals, store in dry, ventilated places.

Compliance Checklist

• Use only licensed operators and verify credentials;
• Request traceability and CDF certificates;
• Ensure dismantling and proper recycling of fractions;
• Avoid non-licensed collectors or informal recyclers;
• Follow official guidance from Cetesb and MMA.

Service Area

Ecobraz operates across São Paulo city and the metropolitan area by appointment, with evaluation based on volume and material type.

Schedule Your Collection

For corporate IT upgrades, office decommissioning, or warehouse clearance, Ecobraz provides collection, sorting, and certified disposal with documentation for ESG and audit requirements.

Schedule your collection with Ecobraz

Note: Ecobraz collects electronics and batteries (automotive, stationary, industrial). We do not collect small batteries, lamps, or printer cartridges/toners. Please use authorized programs and certified PEVs for these materials.

References

• Cetesb – Licensing and guidelines
• MMA – PNRS and reverse logistics
• ABRELPE – Industry data and reports