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Analysis of Institutional Aspects, Efficiency, and Costs of Urban Solid Waste Selective Collection in the Municipality of Colombo, Pr, Brazil

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Sustainability indicators are essential tools for assessing the management of urban solid waste selective collection systems. This study aimed to evaluate the institutional aspects, efficiency, and costs of the selective waste collection system in the municipality of Colombo, Paraná, Brazil, using sustainability indicators. The research was carried out in three phases: first, a diagnostic assessment of the residential waste collection management, with an emphasis on selective collection, was conducted; second, sustainability indicators were calculated and evaluated; and third, two main products were developed: a Critical Methodological Product, aimed at suggesting improvements in the applicability of the indicators, and recommendations to optimize the integrated management of recyclable waste. The results showed that, of the four institutional indicators, three were positive, reflecting the existence of an integrated waste management plan, a contract with a third-party company for collection services, and full municipal coverage. However, the system's self-financing was unfavorable due to insufficient funds collected through taxes. In terms of efficiency, the waste recovery rate in the municipality was 1.88%, while the reject rate at recycling cooperatives was 29.7%. Regarding costs, adjustments are needed to adapt the cost indicators to the local context of Colombo. It is concluded that the selective collection system in the municipality requires improvements, including the formalization of informal waste pickers, better segregation of recyclables, inclusion of companies responsible for reverse logistics, and the promotion of more effective environmental education. These results are crucial for strengthening management and informing decisions in the municipality’s selective waste collection program.

Source: Revista Políticas Públicas & Cidades

DOI: 10.23900/2359-1552v14n2-62-2025

Authors: Tatiane Martins Soares, Pablo Inocêncio Monteiro, Rúbia Martins Bernardes Ramos, Christian Luiz da Silva, Fatima de Jesus Bassetti

Institutions: Universidade Federal do Paraná, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Polydoro Ernani de São Thiago University Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Municipal Solid Waste Management

Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Sustainable cities and communities, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $19