RECYCLING POINTS AS A SUSTAINABILITY TOOL: A CRITICAL REVIEW BETWEEN BRAZIL AND REFERENCE COUNTRIES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63330/aurumpub.017-009Keywords:
Municipal Solid Waste, Sustainable Development Goals, European Union, Emerging Countries (BRICS)Abstract
The increasing generation of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) represents a global challenge, associated with population growth, consumption patterns, and intense urbanization. In Brazil, despite the National Solid Waste Policy (Law 12.305/2010), technical, budgetary, and adherence limitations persist, compromising management. In this context, voluntary drop-off points (VEPs), also called ecopoints, emerge as instruments to support selective collection and the valorization of materials. This study, with a qualitative-quantitative and exploratory approach, is based on a review of scientific literature and document analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of ecopoints in Brazil compared to international countries. The results indicate an unfavorable position in relation to countries of the European Union, but an intermediate performance compared to emerging blocs, standing out for the inclusion of informal waste pickers and recycling cooperatives. It can be concluded that in Brazil, continuous investments, strategic planning, and greater social participation are necessary in order to expand the potential of these instruments for sustainability and social inclusion.
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