"E-waste in Brazil: why less than 4% is recycled and how to change this scenario"

Brazil generates around 3.5 million tons of electronic waste every year, but less than 4% of this material is actually recycled. This article analyzes the factors that lead to this low recycling rate, focusing on legal, structural and technological issues, as well as presenting solutions to reverse this situation.

Context and Legislation on Electronic Waste in Brazil

According to the National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR), in 2022 Brazil produced around 3.5 million tons of e-waste. The National Solid Waste Policy (Law No. 12.305/2010, available at planalto.gov.br) establishes guidelines for the proper management of this waste, including shared responsibility for the life cycle of electrical and electronic products.

Main Obstacles to the Recycling of Electrical and Electronic Waste

The low recycling rate in Brazil stems from a number of structural and systemic challenges:

• Insufficient infrastructure: The country has low coverage of collection points and specialized recycling units, as well as poor logistics processes for selective collection.
• Lack of environmental awareness and education: Many consumers are unaware of the appropriate places to dispose of waste and the incentives for collection. This low level of information directly affects the return of obsolete items.
• Informality and illegal waste: A large part of e-waste is handled by informal sectors that do not follow environmental standards, which compromises recycling processes and causes environmental and health damage.
• Technological complexity: The diversity and toxic components present make reuse difficult and require specific decontamination and safe handling processes.

Changes Needed to Expand Recycling in Brazil

In order to change the landscape of electronics waste recycling, the following actions are recommended:

• Expanding formal collection systems: Encourage the creation and expansion of registered collection points and efficient reverse logistics systems. To facilitate proper disposal, use the e-waste collection services to make an appointment.
• Educational and awareness campaigns: Promote initiatives with public and private sectors to publicize the importance of proper disposal and the benefits of recycling for the environment and public health.
• Stricter regulation and inspection: Strengthen the inspection of irregular processes and increase the penalties provided for in current legislation, encouraging compliance with environmental standards.
• Investment in recycling technologies: Develop and implement advanced techniques for decontamination and separation of waste materials, optimizing reuse and reducing impacts.
• Safe handling of media and storage devices: For safe disposal and destruction of devices such as hard drives and magnetic media, use the specialized services at descarte segura de HD for scheduling.

Responsibilities and the Role of Decision Makers

Managers in the ESG, Security, Purchasing, Information Technology and Legal areas play a key role in developing internal policies and choosing partners for responsible e-waste management. The adoption of best practices corrects existing bottlenecks and complies with legal requirements, mitigating environmental and regulatory risks.

Conclusion

The persistently low recycling rate for electronic waste in Brazil is the result of structural limitations, a lack of knowledge and insufficient public and private policies currently in place. The multiplication of collection points, environmental education, the incorporation of recycling technologies and stricter enforcement are essential to change this scenario.

The low recycling rate in Brazil is a consequence of structural limitations, lack of knowledge and insufficient public and private policies currently in place.