Recycling Report : Recycling continues to grow in Brazil
An annual survey completed by Brazilian NGO CEMPRE shows that rates have been rising since 2008, showing that the country is on its way to a sustainable recycling model.
The government, companies and other associations such as the waste pickers cooperatives have all had their role to play. Each sector has been shown to be recycling at a greater rate, not only as an environmental initiative, but also as a money-making venture. This is having a good impact environmentally, socially and economically.
‘Despite the crisis in the recyclables market, the numbers point to a 10% growth rate in the general index. This shows how much the sector has matured in seeking alternatives to maintaining itself strong and viable,’ says CEMPRE director André Vilhena. ‘To intensify this consolidation even further, approval of the National Policy for Solid Waste, still being debated by Congress, is indispensable. Once the policy is approved, we can effectively increase separated waste collection and stimulate growth along the whole chain.’
The number of municipalities providing citizens with a separate waste collection service is 405. A big increase since 1994, when this figure was just 81. However, there is still a long way to go as this is only 7% of the country’s municipalities.