A gestão de resíduos sólidos em Santarém – Pará como promotora da economia circular

Abstract

This paper presents the fundamentals of the circular economy, highlighting the importance of keeping materials in a constant cycle of usefulness while promoting economic and socio-environmental responsibility. In addition, it analyzes the recent beginning of the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy, a model that aims at economic growth by mitigating the excessive consumption of natural resources and minimizing the generation and disposal of solid waste in the environment. In Brazil, the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS) is a fundamental instrument for this transition, since in this legislation efficient waste management and the promotion of recycling are treated as priorities. Thus, the study focuses on the municipality of Santarém - Pará, highlighting its current scenario and future goals, where although there are growing concerns about the environment and awareness about the practice of sustainable acts for nature and the economy, such as solid waste management, there are still several barriers that delay the integration of the city with the principles of the circular economy and the PNRS. This paper uses a qualitative overview through research on solid waste management and the circular economy. Interviews were also conducted with experts to understand how the system works in Santarém and its main challenges. Through studies and implementation of strategies that seek to expand the scope of the principles of the Circular Economy, it is expected to foster more sustainable economic development in the municipality, increasing awareness of environmental impacts and promoting the circular economy as a viable solution to the challenges left by the linear economic model, such as major environmental degradation and constant generation of waste.