E-waste recycling in Brazil: current overview and how your company can act

Publication date: 2025-09-17

E-waste recycling in Brazil: current overview and how your company can act

Description: Brazil is one of the largest generators of electronic waste in the world, but less than 4% is properly recycled. This article presents the current scenario, explains the challenges and shows how companies can adopt sustainable disposal practices in partnership with the Ecobraz Emigre NGO.

The growth of electronic waste

According to international reports, Brazil is among the top countries generating electronic waste (e-waste). It is estimated that more than 2 million tons are produced annually. The problem is that less than 4% of this total is formally recycled through licensed processes.

Why is the recycling rate so low?

• Limited infrastructure: few licensed e-waste recycling plants in operation.
• Informality: a large share ends up in cooperatives without technology or in illegal landfills.
• Lack of awareness: many companies and consumers don’t know the correct disposal channels.
• Bureaucracy: legal and fiscal barriers for companies to properly discard outdated equipment.

Risks of improper disposal

Improper disposal of electronics generates severe environmental and social impacts. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium contaminate soil and groundwater. In addition, companies that fail to comply with the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS) may face legal penalties and reputational damage.

The role of Ecobraz Emigre NGO

Ecobraz Emigre is recognized as the largest electronic waste recycling project in the world. Its model includes:

• Reverse logistics: nationwide collection.
• Certified process: dismantling, sorting and correct disposal of all components.
• Full documentation: issuance of manifests, technical reports and invoices for legal and ESG audits.
• Corporate scope: specialized service for multinationals, industries, importers and distributors.

How your company can act today

1. Map your waste: identify obsolete or unusable electronics in stock.
2. Schedule collection: contact Ecobraz and arrange secure pickup.
3. Receive documentation: get official reports for compliance and audits.
4. Communicate results: include the data in ESG reports and sustainability marketing.

Advantages for your organization

• Legal compliance: full compliance with PNRS and Decree 10.240/2020.
• Reputation: strengthen your brand as a sustainability leader.
• Security: disposal with data sanitization and destruction of obsolete assets.
• Positive environmental impact: less extraction of raw materials and lower CO₂ emissions.

Call to action

Don’t let your obsolete electronics become an environmental liability. The Ecobraz Emigre NGO is the ideal partner for companies seeking legal compliance, risk reduction, and positive impact.

📞 +55 11 4329-2001
✉️ contato@ecobraz.org.br
🌐 www.ecobraz.org