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Brazil has a vast territory and regional diversity, which turn the promotion of circular economy (or its improvement) into a complex challenge. This paper aims to analyse these challenges and solid waste management opportunities as a driving force for the circular economy in Brazil. Therefore, two significant challenges are discussed in this paper: increasing industrial waste recovery and improving the selective collection of municipal solid waste. Industries are concentrated in the country's South and Southeast regions, where 56% of the population live and where the best logistic infrastructure is also located. These features can help the circular economy related to industrial and municipal solid waste in those regions but bring challenges concerning the waste generated in the other part, such as the Brazilian Amazon. According to legislation, the productive sector is responsible for its products before and after use (waste prevention actions). One of the national laws establishes reverse logistic systems for several items, such as agrochemical packaging and electrical and electronic waste, but some sectors have better results than others in terms of circular economy. The cement industry in Brazil is highlighted as a case of relative success. On the other hand, the mining industry in Brazil has challenges related to the large amount of waste generated with high environmental and social risks, which caused several large accidents in the last years.

This study presents the effects of citizen participation on integrated solid waste management. Porto Alegre was chosen as the area of study since its system is a good example for developing countries, based on the partnership between local government and the former scavengers' association that implements selective collection in the city. A life-cycle approach was used to estimate environmental loadings and economic costs based on solid waste generation, and a survey assessment tool was used to analyse social aspects. The results showed a decrease in environmental and economic impacts in the current situation, allowing Porto Alegre to have one of the most affordable integrated solid waste management systems in Brazil. The survey assessment pointed out that public campaign changed the perceptions and practices of most of Porto Alegre's citizens regarding solid waste management. On the other hand, it also pointed out that citizens need more education to increase their participation. Therefore, more research is needed to increase cooperation among all stakeholders, improve citizen participation, and consequently, further decrease the environmental impacts and economic costs.