Avaliação do programa de coleta seletiva de resíduos sólidos de Pelotas - RS

Abstract

In Brazil, the urban disorderly growing associated with the consumerist life style turned into a challenge to the public managers aiming for social, economic and environmental sustainability for their solid waste. In this context, the city of Pelotas is looking for alternatives to improve the efficiency of its integrated solid waste management, in which the selective collection is presented as an important instrument for recycling and the correct destination to the solid waste. This study had as objective to identify fragilities and potentials present in the selective collection program in the city, aiming the proposition of technical tools and options, when possible. The applied methodology was: studies on the literature related to the subject and other cities models added to interviews to the technicians en engineer and engineer responsible for the program and official documents. The most important fragilities identified were in relation to the lack of educational programs for the population, which results in the inappropriate waste segregation,  absence of devices for packaging the recyclable waste that is going to be collected as well, inappropriate vehicles for the collecting activities, and others. However, in relation to the present positive aspects, were identified the " Programa Adote uma Escola" (Adopt a school), the a environmental and sanitary educational center, the support from the prefecture to the cooperatives of waste pickers. Afterward, technical propositions were made according to the identified fragilities.