Brazil – survey of solid urban waste recycling shows signs of optimism

Brazilian NGO Cempre reports on a survey that has revealed that 11% of urban waste was recycled in Brazil in 2005. This rate, although appearing to be a return to 2003 figure, in fact reveals a more positive reality. The total recycled rose from 5.2 million tonnes in 2004 to 5.76 million in 2005, a rise of almost 11%.



The recycling rate of dry waste (77,000 tonnes per day) was 18%. Fifty-five percent of urban waste is composed of organic material. According to the Brazilian statistics institute, IBGE, waste generation remained at the same level as 2004 – 140,000 tonnes per day (approximately 0.8 kg. per capita). It should be noted that in 2003, waste generation was around 4% below that of 2004.



By material, recycling was as follows for 2005



office paper (white) 0.8 Mt 49.5 %

cardboard 2.24 Mt 77.4%

plastics (excl PET) 0.29 Mt 20%

PET 0.17 Mt 47%

aluminium packaging 0.13 Mt 96.2%

steel packaging 0.16 Mt 29%

glass packaging 0.39 Mt 46%

aseptic cartons 0.4 Mt 23%

tyres 0.13 Mt 58%

organics 0.84 Mt 3%



Total recycling [2005] 5.76 Mt 11%



Brazil has been gradually improving its positioning in the plastics recycling market. The completed data for 2005 show growth of almost 28% in the amount recycled over the last three years (see table below).



The Brazilian rate is now greater than that of countries such as France, Sweden and Portugal. A significant increase in the value per tonne of around 21% should also be noted, making this activity even more attractive.