Brazilian cities have demonstrated success in promoting innovation in solid waste management, promoting the circular economy, and tackling climate change. This is because, according to a study published in December 2023 in the Habitat International Journal, they perform four successful practices: 1) political and technical structure to facilitate innovation processes, 2) collaboration with state and federal governments, 3) implementation of educational projects on environmental sustainability and public participation, and 4) creation of public policies aimed at waste management with a focus on local potential.

The result is important considering that there are many challenges to innovate in Urban Solid Waste Management (MSRM), such as institutional and regulatory barriers, especially in developing countries, where low technical capacity, lack of environmental awareness and little government participation are common obstacles.

However, few studies demonstrate the paths and key elements to enable this circular disruption. To identify the factors that drive innovation at GRSU, FGV EAESP researchers Michel Xocaira Paes and Jose A. Puppim de Oliveira in partnership with other researchers from UNESP and the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Sandro Donnini Mancini and Joan Rieradevall, respectively, conducted a study in four Brazilian municipalities.

The cities of Harmonia (RS), Ibertioga (MG), São Paulo (SP) and Carauari (AM) were selected due to their good practices in municipal solid waste management and because they represent diverse profiles in terms of socioeconomic profile, number of inhabitants and geographic distribution in the country. The researchers searched for cities in which solid management practices are exercised, which the existing literature in the area points out as capable of generating positive results in the effects of climate change and circular economy. Once the regions were selected, technical visits and interviews were made with political and civil actors from the 4 municipalities. The information was checked with data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) and the National Basic Sanitation Information System (SNIS).

Effective practices

The research reveals that, despite institutional, technological, economic and cultural challenges, the municipalities studied achieved significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and costs (operational and investment) of waste management per capita below the national average. Four elements appeared as fundamental for Innovation in Solid Waste Management were identified: technical capacity and local policy; cooperation between state and federal governments; environmental education and social participation programs; and, finally, local partnerships in the creation and conduct of waste management actions and policies.

Based on these analyses, it was proposed to create a National Carbon Credit Fund for the GRSU, coordinated by the federal government and involving States and Municipalities in the management and allocation of resources. This initiative could overcome challenges such as financing and articulation between different levels of government, contributing to the Circular Economy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

In short, this study demonstrates that innovation in GRSU does not require large investments or sophisticated technologies. Actions such as prevention, composting, recycling, and energy use of methanes generated by landfills can bring significant economic and environmental benefits, in line with a vision of sustainable development, climate change mitigation, and transition to a circular economy.

To read the full study, click here.