Do lixão à Economia Circular: um salto possível?

Abstract

Issues related to solid waste are emerging, especially in urban environments. On one hand, daily, there is a volume to be collected and deposited in final disposal areas, which can be regular or clandestine; on the other hand, there are less suitable spaces for this purpose. The solution for this problem involves planning and designing innovative solid waste management systems. The Circular Economy theory presents elements to develop them. This finding defined the objective of this work, which was to propose a reference model for Urban Solid Waste management, based on the Circular Economy theory, as an alternative to the current model. The work execution began with a theoretical framework formation. The study of contents related to Urban Solid Waste pointed out the technical aspects, the reference model adopted in management systems planning and design, as well as the challenge to be faced by Brazilian municipalities. The Circular Economy theory approach revealed its presuppositions, as well as its relation with the established thematic focus. The theoretical framework grounded the proposition of a new reference model to support solid waste management systems planning and design of Brazilian municipalities, based on destination rather than the final disposal, specific to operate in a Linear to Circular Economy transition scenario. Adaptations based on Circular Economy presuppositions were inserted into the current reference model, which resulted in the Transition Model. Through a case study, realized in Goiás (Goiás, Brazil), the Transition Model’s applicability was evaluated. From the diagnosis of the solid waste management system of this municipality, a prognosis and an Action Plan for Urban Solid Waste were proposed, guided by the Transition Model. The evaluation of the Transition Model, through the case study, showed that: (I) jumping from dump to Circular Economy is possible, considering only the technological aspects; (II) jumping from dump to Circular Economy may be possible if the cultural and financial aspects are overcome.