Weaknesses and potentialities in the management of urban solid waste in Brazil

Abstract

Several practices, classified as socially and environmentally appropriate actions and management models, defined in the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), have been employed in Brazilian municipalities. However, in many municipalities, multiple weaknesses are verified with regard to the management of Urban Solid Waste (MSW). Understanding the weaknesses and potentialities that municipalities face is important to serve as a basis for the search for sustainable solutions aligned with the specificities of local realities. Based on data obtained from scientific texts, the SWOT matrix (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) was constructed to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of MSW management in the Brazilian scenario. The results indicate that Brazil is a country with great potential to manage its MSW; however, it faces various problems ranging from the lack of financial and personnel resources to the lack of political will to prioritize issues involving to MSW. Bases on the obtained results, it was possible to suggest elements to enhance potentialities and actions so that weaknesses can be overcome. Therefore, it is expected that this work will assist public managers to build action plans that can be executed more efficiently in the local reality.