Launched last year, the online course introduces the concept of zero waste and provides practical examples of its application in public management. Could we have something like this in Brazil?
Currently, less than 20% of the waste produced worldwide is recycled: most of it ends up in landfills, dumps, and even in nature. This means that enormous amounts of resources are wasted by not being reused or recycled. According to a study by the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the amount of waste produced globally has been continuously increasing and is expected to grow by 70% until 2050, if compared to 2016 levels.
To change this framework, the free course "Zero Waste 101" was launched in Sweden in 2023, focusing on training community leaders and public managers on Circular Economy concepts and how to develop an effective sustainable waste management plan. The initiative is the result of a partnership between the government platform Smart City Sweden, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the public-private institution Avfall Sverige.
The program's creators, supported by recent data and research, argue that inadequate waste management negatively impacts human health, nature, and the climate, especially affecting communities living near landfills and dumps. These communities are even more exposed to risks as waste can pollute the air and contaminate soil, air, and drinking water.
Brasil 2044 is studying bringing this solution to train Brazilian public managers. In fact, the program coordinator, Mila de Rueda, was in Sweden in May this year and saw firsthand everything the nation has implemented to face future challenges.
Why is Sweden a Reference?
Considered one of the most sustainable countries in the world, Sweden has been an example for other nations in renewable energy generation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. When it comes to waste, Sweden's solution was to completely revolutionize its waste management system. Currently, the Scandinavian nation can keep its landfills empty while generating electricity to heat thousands of homes and power public buildings, as it transforms almost all of its waste — and that of neighboring countries also — into clean energy.
A leader in energy transition initiatives, the Scandinavian country not only has the highest use of renewable energy in the European Union—with approximately 56% of energy coming from renewable sources such as hydropower, wind, and nuclear—but also has some of the lowest carbon emissions in the world. This is due to a shift towards electric transportation and constant investments in innovative technologies and urban agriculture.
According to the World Bank, every year, an American releases almost four times more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than a Swede. Since early 2024, a new law mandates that all citizens and commercial establishments in the country must separate food waste. Local authorities are also required to collect organic waste separately. This was already done in most of Sweden, but now it is regulated by law. In the country, organic waste is turned into biogas, a renewable energy source that replaces fossil fuels.
How to improve the situation in Brazil?
You may not be one of the 20.8 million Brazilians without regular access to direct and indirect solid waste collection, but you might be tired of seeing open-air garbage in your city. How can you contribute to solving this problem? Solid waste management in Brazil is a complex challenge that requires an integrated and coordinated approach involving government, the private sector, civil society, and the general population. Implementing effective policies, investing in adequate infrastructure, promoting recycling, and environmental education are essential to address these challenges and promote more sustainable and responsible waste management.
In Brazil, we have the Law No. 12.305/10, which establishes the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), highlighting the main responsibilities of waste generators and favoring a systemic view that encompasses various environmental variables. One of its main goals is to eliminate dumps and regulate the issue of waste produced in the country. According to a study by Abrelpe (Brazilian Association of Public Cleaning and Special Waste Companies), although more than 70% of brazilian cities already have selective waste collection, only 30% of people separate dry waste from organic waste at home. For this reason, the law can also be associated with priorities supported by the circular economy.
The Abrelpe research also shows that only 4% of all waste produced in the country is recycled or reused. Perhaps it is time to think about what your municipality can implement to change this story!
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