Gestão de resíduos sólidos em municípios de pequeno porte: identificação das principais dificuldades

Abstract

Solid waste management (SWM) is a global issue with economic, environmental, and social repercussions, presenting multifaceted nuances and differing management performances depending on the level of economic development of a given locality. This disparity in outcomes is also evident when comparing large and small municipalities, with the latter facing greater disadvantages. In this context, the research focuses on small Brazilian municipalities, aiming to identify their main difficulties in SWM. To this end, the study investigated the Wenceslau Braz/PR microregion within the framework of national and state solid waste policies, comparing it with relevant academic literature to understand the challenges faced by small municipalities in solid waste management. To analyze the local situation, the SINIR (National Solid Waste Management Information System) and SINISA (National Basic Sanitation Information System) platforms, official municipal websites, municipal integrated solid waste management plans, and responses to public information requests sent via email to the ten studied municipalities were examined. The results revealed gaps in platform declarations, a lack of transparency on official websites, and management plans misaligned with the National Solid Waste Policy. While a reasonable structure for collection and final disposal was observed, along with consortia-based solutions, management deficiencies were identified, such as a lack of qualification, insufficient data knowledge, absence of oversight, and ineffective awareness campaigns. Furthermore, the study found a lack of robust municipal solid waste policies and insufficient technical support and training from state and federal governments. Comparing these results with the academic literature revealed that many of the problems identified in the microregion are recurring and widely observed. Additionally, the research concluded that one of the main causes of the difficulties faced by small municipalities is the absence of a clear and objective municipal solid waste policy, along with management deficiencies. Based on these conclusions, as a suggestion for improvement, the study advocates for the adoption of the National Solid Waste Policy as a mandatory framework for establishing municipal solid waste policies. This would create a municipal legal structure addressing the difficulties identified in the research, along with the creation of a local Solid Waste Management Committee (CGRS) responsible for implementing the provisions of the aforementioned law.