Recycling capacity through formal and informal activities in six cities in São Paulo State, Brazil

Abstract

Sustainability of waste management practices is a multidimensional challenge faced by authorities worldwide, especially in low and middle-income countries, where informal sector plays important role. In Brazil, municipal government is responsible for the solid waste management, but formal recycling is promoted by cooperatives supported by government and informal workers and enterprises also act on recycling activities. Effective data on the reality of waste flows within the municipalities are scarce. The aim of this study was to analyse indicators for the comprehension of recycling capacity of six municipalities in the interior of São Paulo State in Brazil by investigating public data and applying questionnaires to social actors. For the most part, the results point to a great participation of local leaders managing informal collection in urban areas. The average recycling rate found is 10.8% and approximately 8% of the total solid waste is recyclable material collected by informal recycling every year. Results show great efficiency of small business which are able to improve sustainability of public services if seen as a part of the system.