Benefícios sociais, econômicos e ambientais a partir da gestão de resíduos sólidos urbanos: uma estimação para o Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

This study aimed at demonstrating the benefits that recyclable materials may provide to the population, the economy and the environment. The research problem is composed by the following questions: Are there social net benefits of recycling in Rio Grande do Sul state? If there are such benefits, what is the economic value to them? What are these benefits? For such questions to be answered, the methodology applied was the environmental valuation used by Motta (2006). It was used the social net benefits of recycling (SNBR), through the recycling of materials found in selective collection: paper, aluminum, steel, glass and plastic in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The results of the research have proved that the recycling of wastes generates to the State of Rio Grande do Sul profits and various benefits. They show that despite of having a higher cost to municipalities its advantages outweigh the costs. It was obtained as a result the average SNBR which was estimated for the market price of scraps (R$487,30). It reflected the benefit that the scraps market brings to the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. On the other hand, the average SNBR of reuse by opportunity cost in Rio Grande do Sul was R$627,37. The estimated calculation in promoting adequate waste provision and treatment systems in the case of the five studied materials (paper, plastic, aluminum, glass and steel) could generate potential benefits of R$447.922.127,98 ton/year for the State and its community. In other words, if all recyclable waste that is currently disposed in landfills and dumps were forwarded for recycling they would generate great benefits for the society.