Industrial Solid Waste in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region – Situation and Perspectives

Abstract

This paper compares and discusses the results of two solid waste surveys done by CETESB, the State of Sao Paulo environmental control agency, in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region. The objective is to get an idea of the accuracy of the results, as well as to establish points that can be considered in an industrial solid waste control policy for the region. The results of the two surveys were consistent with each other. The results were also checked against the amount of non-domestic waste that is disposed of in the sanitary landfills operated by the city of São Paulo, to verify the accuracy of the estimates. It was estimated that in the Region 3,250,000 t/year of industrial solid waste were generated in 1988, 376,000 t/year being hazardous. The recycling ratio is high, 27% for the hazardous waste, but the recycling industry is formed by small companies which are causing a lot of environmental problems. The municipal landfills receive relatively small amounts of hazardous wastes. There are large amounts of these wastes being disposed of in particularly dangerous forms: soil infiltration, impoundments and open dumps. Storage in drums is the second method used to dispose of hazardous wastes. Finally it is recommended that the State authorities take into account the above points in formulating the industrial waste control policy for the Region.

Pollution Prevention through Solvent Selection and Waste Minimization

“…For England's East Midlands, Phillips et al report significant barriers to the institution of waste minimization programs especially from small companies . Similar observations of the great environmental impacts of small companies have been made, for example, for China or Brazil. , Obviously, scientific pollution prevention procedures must be developed especially for this sector. Modularly structured concepts promise to show an improved acceptance in this sector.…”

“…2 Similar observations of the great environmental impacts of small companies have been made, for example, for China or Brazil. 3,4 Obviously, scientific pollution prevention procedures must be developed especially for this sector. Modularly structured concepts promise to show an improved acceptance in this sector.…”