INCINERATION OF MSW IN BRAZIL FOR ENERGY USE AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY: REFLECTIONS FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU)

Abstract

The objective of this work is to bring current discussions about the energy use of MSW, obtained by incineration, from the point of view of the circular economy, based on the experience of the European Union (EU), in order to provide subsidies for the implementation of this technology in Brazil.The most important initiatives in Brazil, which aim to encourage the implementation of this technology, were also raised. The analysis of the data collected demonstrates that, while the EU seeks to increase the rates of selective collection, recycling, and reduce the incineration capacity of urban waste for energy recovery purposes, Brazil is preparing to implement it. From the perspective of the circular economy, this technology is only suitable for non-recyclable waste, and this is not happening, even in the EU. The adoption of this technology on a large scale in Brazil, before seeking to improve selective collection, reverse logistics and recycling rates, could initially give the impression of a solution to inadequate final disposal practices adopted in the country, and the corresponding impacts on the environment and people's health. However, a very large portion of waste is potentially recyclable (organic and non-organic) and would be burned, making the use of this technology far from the principles of circular economy. In addition, the possibility of making a circular economy plan for Brazil in the future would be compromised, as a large part of the waste would already be destined for enterprises that recover energy from waste.