Brasil recicla apenas 4% de 80 milhões de toneladas de lixo | AGORA CNN

Summary

Brazil produces around 880 million tons of waste annually but recycles only 4%. Both public and private sectors seek solutions, with experts suggesting the circular economy, which involves reusing waste to replenish industries. Over 10 years, Brazil imported over 56,000 tons of solid waste, while domestic recycling remains low. In 2023, the government increased import taxes to encourage local recycling. Initiatives like Heineken's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2040 highlight private efforts. Experts stress the importance of valuing waste collectors to improve recycling rates and reduce environmental impact.

Takeaways

• 🇧🇷 Brazil produces around 880 million tons of waste per year but only recycles 4%.
• ♻️ Both public and private sectors are seeking alternatives to solve the waste problem.
• 🌍 Experts suggest that reusing waste and re-supplying the industry is a solution, known as the circular economy.
• 📉 Over the last decade, Brazil has imported over 56,000 tons of solid waste while domestic recycling remains insufficient.
• 📈 The import of waste materials like paper and glass has increased significantly, with plastic imports rising by 7.2%.
• 💸 Cheap imported waste materials are used in industrial recycling processes, hindering domestic recycling efforts.
• 🚯 Brazil ranks fourth in global plastic pollution but contributes about 5% to global plastic production.
• 📦 About 12 million tons of plastic waste are imported annually, which experts criticize given Brazil's domestic waste management struggles.
• 🌱 The circular economy could drastically reduce waste by recycling more domestically produced waste.
• 🛡️ In 2023, the Brazilian government raised import taxes on waste materials to 18% to discourage imports and boost the circular economy.
• 🏭 An example of private initiative is Heineken's 2022 commitment to neutralize carbon emissions across its value chain by 2040.
• 💡 Heineken's recycling projects have already collected significant amounts of glass, saving landfill space and reducing CO2 emissions.
• 🤝 Eduardo Ferreira de Paula emphasizes the need to value waste collectors in this process, advocating for reverse logistics.

Q & A

How much waste does Brazil produce annually?

Brazil produces approximately 880 million tons of waste per year.

What percentage of Brazil's waste is recycled?

Only 4% of Brazil's waste is recycled.

What is one proposed solution to Brazil's waste management problem?

One proposed solution is the adoption of a circular economy, where waste is reused and reintegrated into the production process.

How much solid waste has Brazil imported over the past 10 years?

Brazil has imported more than 56,000 tons of solid waste over the past 10 years.

How has the import of materials like paper and glass changed in recent years?

The import of paper has increased by more than 100% and glass by over 70%.

What is a significant factor contributing to Brazil's low recycling rate?

A significant factor is the importation of cheap waste materials, which are used by industries, preventing the recycling of locally generated waste.

What environmental benefits could result from increasing the recycling rate in Brazil?

Increasing the recycling rate could significantly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, leading to environmental benefits such as reduced pollution and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

How did the Brazilian government change import taxes on waste in 2023?

In 2023, the Brazilian government raised import taxes on waste to 18%. Previously, paper and glass were exempt from this tax, and plastic was taxed at over 11%.

What commitment did Heineken make in 2022 related to recycling and emissions?

Heineken committed to neutralizing carbon emissions across its value chain by 2040 and has been promoting glass recycling through collection machines.

What impact has Heineken's recycling project had so far?

Heineken's project has collected 563 tons of glass, saving 676 tons of virgin raw materials, 425 cubic meters of landfill space, and preventing 265 tons of CO2 emissions.

What role do waste pickers play in Brazil's recycling process, according to Eduardo Ferreira de Paula?

Waste pickers play a crucial role in collecting and recovering recyclable materials, ensuring they do not end up in landfills. Their work is vital for the success of the circular economy.

What does Eduardo Ferreira de Paula suggest is necessary for improving Brazil's recycling system?

Eduardo Ferreira de Paula suggests that valuing and properly compensating waste pickers is essential for improving the recycling system in Brazil.