PNRS and reverse logistics: how companies should deal with electrical scrap

Introduction to the PNRS and reverse logistics applied to electrical scrap

The National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), instituted by Law No. 12.305/2010, establishes fundamental guidelines for the responsible management of solid waste, including electrical scrap. Reverse logistics is an essential mechanism provided for in the PNRS to promote the return of waste to the production cycle, minimizing environmental impacts.

Legal basis for electrical scrap management

According to article 33 of Law No. 12.305/2010, the reverse logistics system is mandatory for various products, especially those that generate waste with significant environmental impact potential, such as electrical scrap. Companies must structure or participate in systems that guarantee the collection, transportation and proper treatment of these materials, in accordance with the rules established by the National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR), regulated by Decree No. 10.936/2022 (sinir.gov.br).

Principles and responsibilities in the management of electrical scrap

The management of scrap requires the integrated participation of all those involved in the product cycle, from the manufacturer to the end consumer. The shared responsibility provided for in the PNRS determines that adequate control of the flow of electrical scrap must be carried out to promote reuse, recycling and environmentally appropriate disposal, avoiding contamination of the soil, water and atmosphere.

Procedures for collection and safe reverse logistics

To implement the reverse logistics of electrical scrap, it is necessary to establish specific collection points and mechanisms for the safe transportation of these scraps. The collection of electronic waste must be carried out in accordance with official technical guidelines, respecting environmental regulations and ensuring that it is sent to appropriate treatment units, which can be consulted for scheduling at electronic waste collection.

Treatment and safe disposal of electrical scrap and media

The treatment of scrap involves processes of decontamination, recovery and recycling of the components. In the case of electronic media containing sensitive data, safe sanitization is essential, complying with information security standards and mitigating the risk of data leakage. Specialized services can be scheduled to ensure the secure destruction of hard drives and other media, as detailed in secure media disposal.

Compliance and enforcement

Compliance with the PNRS and reverse logistics rules is subject to enforcement by the competent environmental agencies, such as CETESB in São Paulo (cetesb.sp.gov.br). Penalties can include fines and other administrative sanctions, in addition to the obligation to repair environmental damage, motivating adherence to the regulated systems for the management of electrical scrap.

Final considerations

Adopting reverse logistics as provided for in the PNRS is fundamental for the correct management of electrical scrap, contributing to environmental sustainability and legal compliance. The structuring of integrated collection, transportation, treatment and safe disposal systems, with attention to current regulations, is essential to the success of these processes.