"Recycling in Brazil: where we are and how to grow"

Recycling in Brazil faces structural challenges and opportunities to improve its effectiveness. Law 12.305/2010 establishes guidelines for the National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR) and the National Solid Waste Policy. This article analyzes the current panorama, current public policies and the strategic path to expand recycling, conferring sustainable environmental and economic benefits.

Current panorama of recycling in Brazil

Brazil produces approximately 79 million tons of solid waste per year, according to data from the National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR). However, the average recycling rate is still less than 3%, according to a report by the Ministry of the Environment, reflecting a huge untapped potential. The informality of part of the collection sector and the lack of adequate infrastructure are major obstacles.

Current legislation and policies

The National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), established by Law No. 12.305/2010, is the main legal framework for the integrated management and proper treatment of waste. The law prioritizes the non-generation, reduction, reuse, recycling and treatment of waste, as well as environmentally appropriate final disposal.

In addition, SINIR, created in 2014, is fundamental for monitoring and planning waste management, providing essential data for strategic decision-making. mtr.sinir.gov.br offers public access to up-to-date information that supports public policies and collective actions.

Challenges to progress in recycling

Among the main challenges are: the lack of efficient reverse logistics for various types of waste; low public awareness of the importance of recycling; insufficient economic and tax incentives; and the need to expand selective collection and improve sorting.

It is especially important to improve the collection of electronic waste, so easy access to the electronic waste collection service should be expanded and publicized, ensuring the correct disposal and safe recycling of these materials.

The role of technology and innovation

The modernization of recycling processes can be leveraged by technologies that increase the efficiency of waste separation, classification and disposal. Digital technologies applied to control and tracking in the SINIR contribute to transparency and greater governance in the sector.

For waste that presents a high risk of information security, such as hard drives and media, it is essential to guarantee the safe sanitization and correct destruction of these components to avoid data leakage and preserve privacy.

Strategic paths for sustainable growth

To increase recycling in Brazil, it is necessary to: strengthen environmental education and encourage the participation of all social actors; increase investments in selective collection infrastructure and recycling plants; implement tax and financial incentives; integrate the production chain with effective reverse logistics policies and increase the use of intelligent technologies.

In addition, the development of partnerships between public authorities, sectoral associations and productive sectors is essential to guarantee the expansion of access and the sustainability of the system.

Conclusion

Recycling in Brazil has significant growth potential, but depends on robust public policies, technological modernization and social engagement to overcome current obstacles. Compliance with current legislation and efficient use of the data available from SINIR are essential to direct strategic actions capable of transforming solid waste management into a lasting environmental and economic benefit.