In recent years we have been able to follow the growth of environmental awareness among consumers, companies and governments with the use of disposable plastics, those for single use that account for 40% of all global plastic production.
Recently, countries, economic blocs and city halls have been adhering to regulations that limit the use of disposable plastics and in some cases establish limits on their production, as is the case of the European Union, which plans to end the use of single-use plastics at from January 1, 2030.
Although the result of enormous efforts, such practices are still not enough to stop the production and incorrect disposal of plastics, on the contrary, the numbers are only getting worse. In the next ten years, the volume of trash that reaches waterways and, consequently, the oceans , could reach 22 million or even 58 million tons per year. All this volume of plastic waste alerted the international community that is negotiating a treaty to combat plastic pollution, which should take place by the end of 2024 and involve around 175 countries.
If, on the one hand, plastics are still a major environmental problem, other types of waste draw attention due to their enormous volume, impact on ecosystems and little debate about their numbers and relevance.
Data from the 2023 Urban Solid Waste Panorama show that each Brazilian generates an average of 1.04 kg of waste per day and the Brazilian population generates approximately 77.1 million solid waste per year. Around 380 kg of waste per year for each inhabitant of Brazil.
When we look at these impactful numbers, we will soon remember recyclable waste such as plastic, paper, glass, metal and their reverse logistics programs. Even so, recycling rates in Brazil are very low, only 3% of everything generated is actually recycled, however, little is said about organic waste.
Organic waste can have different origins, such as domestic or urban (food waste and pruning), agricultural or industrial (waste from the food industry, timber industry, slaughterhouses), basic sanitation (sludge from sewage treatment plants), among others. . These are materials that naturally degrade under natural conditions, but due to human activities and the large volumes generated, most of them are sent to landfills or disposed of in inappropriate locations such as landfills.
The national solid waste plan estimates that 50% of everything generated in cities is made up of organic waste, it is the largest share in waste generation and the one that receives the least attention and treatment. If we consider organic waste from industrial and agricultural activities, there is an estimated generation of 800 million tons of organic waste per year. Ten times more than total urban waste.
When this waste is separated at source, is not mixed with rejects or is recyclable, the recycling of organic waste is close to 100%, as it can decompose and transform into fertilizer or organic fertilizer that can be used on various scales and agricultural crops.
In addition to composting, biodigestion is an alternative for treating organic waste. Biodigestion is a process of decomposition of organic matter through the absence of oxygen. The advantages of biodigestion are: the reuse of organic waste, the production of fertilizers and biogas.
Even so, with numerous advantages, less than 2% of all organic waste is sent to compost. The entire remaining volume, which is landfilled or dumped in the open, could supply around 30% of Brazil’s demand for fertilizer in agricultural systems.
The problem of managing urban waste and organic waste in Brazil involves some characteristics, such as low investment and collection problems. The monthly investment per capita in Brazil is R$ 11.96 in the collection and treatment of urban waste, insufficient amounts for collection, provision of selective collection, adequate treatment and final disposal of only the waste. Furthermore, selective collection is only available for 14.7% of Brazilian municipalities, in the rest collection is unique and favors the mixing of waste and the low use of materials in recycling and composting.
Improving organic waste composting rates involves increasing public investment in selective collection systems, correct allocation of organic waste for composting by municipalities and correct segregation of waste at source.
Reference:
Understand the challenges for the development of composting in Brazil (verde.ag)
Global study indicates support for ban on single-use plastics | World | Valor Econômico (globo.com)
