THE BRAZILIAN POLICY ON SOLID WASTE AND NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS REDUCTION

ENABLING SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

Abstract

The objective of this work is to discuss how National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS) objectives contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) achievement, which deals with reducing the negative environmental impact of cities per capita. A survey carried out by the Brazilian Association of Public Cleaning and Special Waste Companies on urban solid waste generation in Brazil shows that in 2019 approximately 380 kilograms per person were generated, totaling almost 80 million tons. These numbers are even more serious if we consider that since PNRS implementation in 2010, the inadequate disposal of collected waste has not changed much: 43.2% (2010) and 40.5% (2019), ending up in dumps or controlled landfills, which technically and environmentally, are not the appropriate options. Qualitative, exploratory, documental procedural research seeks to investigate different scientific contributions through a comparative study between PNRS and SDGs. It was observed that all PNRS fifteen goals are aligned with at least one SDG. In 2021, the National Urban Environmental Quality Agenda creation represented a significant effort in this direction. Therefore, this work intends to contribute with evidence and reflections about the alignment between PNRS and SDGs. In addition, social contribution seeks to converge Government and Civil Society efforts to guarantee human rights, eradicate poverty, mitigate social injustice, promote gender equality by encouraging women empowerment, and promote actions to combat climate change.