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Brazil surprises by importing 28 thousand tons of garbage while its recycling cooperatives suffer. Practice impacts economy and environment.
In a reality that seems to have come straight out of an absurd film, Brazil, known worldwide for its environmental wealth and biodiversity, surprisingly appears as one of the countries that imports the most waste from abroad.
In just five months of this year, the volume of imported waste exceeded 28 thousand tons, a number that, in itself, is already alarming.
However, when we delve deeper into the issue, the reasons behind this unusual practice and its consequences for the economy, the environment and local communities reveal an even more worrying scenario.
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According to the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC), between January and May 2024, Brazil imported exactly 28,3 thousand tons of solid waste, such as paper, plastic, aluminum and glass.
These materials, which mostly come from the United States and Latin American countries, have been highlighted as an economical choice for Brazilian companies, which prefer to buy from abroad rather than recycle what is generated internally.
The environmental and economic impact of a controversial choice
Although the practice is supported by international standards, such as the Basel Convention, which regulates waste trade, it raises intense debates in Brazil.
Experts point out that importing waste instead of investing in local recycling negatively affects both the environment and the national economy.
According to the University of São Paulo (USP), the country produces around 80 million tons of solid waste annually, but only 4% of this total is recycled. In other words, the country's domestic recycling capacity is vastly underutilized.
Another worrying aspect is the cost of this practice. According to data from MDIC, Brazilian companies spent around US$ 121,7 million on waste imports in the first five months of 2024.
This amount includes US$117,4 million for 6,7 thousand tons of aluminum, US$2,5 million for 11,5 thousand tons of paper, US$862 thousand for 2,2 thousand tons of plastic and US$1,2 million for 7,9 thousand tons of glass.
These numbers not only illustrate the magnitude of the expenses, but also reveal the lack of incentive for internal recycling to gain traction in the market.
Landfills, carbon emissions and lack of traceability
In addition to economic waste, imported waste brings with it logistical problems and environmental impact.
As Patrícia Iglesias, an environmental management specialist at USP, warns, the maritime transport of waste is one of the major concerns.
“These materials arrive in Brazil by ship, which contributes to carbon emissions, the risk of accidents during transportation and even toxic contamination, in addition to the lack of adequate traceability,” he explains.
The problem becomes worse when we consider the precarious situation of waste management in Brazil.
According to Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), 31,9% of municipalities still use landfills as the main method of disposing of solid waste.
In the North Region, the situation is critical: 73,8% of municipalities operate at least one landfill. This contrasts with the South, where only 5,7% face the same problem.
Bills and initiatives to curb imports
Given this scenario, legislative initiatives are beginning to gain space in the public debate.
On November 28, the Chamber of Deputies approved Bill 3.944/24, authored by federal deputy Célio Silveira (MDB-GO), which proposes a ban on the import of solid waste.
The proposal, which now goes to the Senate, aims to protect not only the environment, but also the workers who depend on recycling to survive.
“There is no justification for importing waste when recycling cooperatives are being harmed and local recyclable materials are ending up in landfills,” argued Silveira.
The proposal also seeks to correct historical distortions.
During the government of former president Jair Bolsonaro, the import tax on waste was reduced to zero, which contributed to a significant increase in imports between 2019 and 2022.
Now, with the rate adjusted to 18%, the current government is trying to discourage the practice, although the effects are still timid.
The struggle of recycling collectors
For recyclable material collectors, the fight against the import of waste is also a fight for dignity and appreciation.
Roberto Laureano, president of the National Association of Waste Pickers (Ancat), denounces that the practice devalues the work of cooperatives and encourages disposal in landfills and landfills.
“Our material ends up being thrown away, while foreign waste occupies our market,” he laments.
This devaluation directly affects collectors, who depend on the sale of recyclable materials for their livelihood.
According to data from the Chamber of Deputies, large companies often prefer to import cheaper materials rather than buy from local cooperatives, intensifying the economic difficulties faced by these workers.
The future of waste management in Brazil
Brazil faces a dilemma: while importing waste remains a controversial practice, the domestic recycling infrastructure still leaves much to be desired.
The challenge is not only to increase recycling, but also to eliminate landfills and implement effective public policies.
According to the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), municipalities with more than 50 inhabitants should have closed their landfills by August 2023, but the reality is quite different.
According to IBGE, 21,5% of these municipalities still use landfills as a final solution.
The research also reveals that 39,5% of Brazilian municipalities do not have selective collection, which represents a major obstacle to sustainable waste management.
In the North, only 33,5% of municipalities carry out this practice, while in the South, 81,9% stand out for separating waste.
What can we do to change this reality?
Given this scenario, the question arises: Is Brazil prepared to prioritize local recycling and reduce its dependence on imported waste? Society, companies and government need to act together to reverse this situation and ensure a more sustainable future.
I would like to know if these values presented in the report are correct?
Wow, I want to make it very clear, all of this, if the deputies come together and contribute with their mandate in favor of serious politics, together with the senators, in favor of 100% recycling with Pix amendment with transfer to Brazilian municipalities and recycling cooperatives, many would be grateful.
We need to know the origin and destination of this waste, what type of waste is being imported into Brazil, if it is radioactive waste it can contaminate the entire environment, a law must be passed urgently to prevent the entry of waste into Brazil! 🚨