URBAN WASTE IN BRAZIL AND ITS CONSEQUENCES: CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES – A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Urban waste is one of the most complex socio-environmental challenges faced by contemporary Brazil. Rapid population growth, combined with increased consumption and the planned obsolescence of products, has led to an ever-growing volume of solid urban waste, placing pressure on collection and disposal systems that are already insufficient. The lack of comprehensive public policies and the limited adoption of circular economy practices contribute to a scenario of improper disposal, with consequences that go beyond the environment and directly affect the population’s quality of life. This article presents a critical analysis of the environmental, social, economic, and public health impacts resulting from poor waste management, highlighting issues such as soil and watercourse pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, the proliferation of disease vectors, and the socioeconomic exclusion of waste pickers and recyclers. In addition, it discusses the financial costs of inefficient waste management and the opportunities for job creation, income generation, and technological innovation associated with integrated management systems. Finally, the study proposes reflections and pathways for building sustainable public policies based on shared responsibility, environmental education, and the encouragement of social participation. The analysis aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the need to turn the waste challenge into an opportunity for economic development, social inclusion, and environmental preservation, with the aim of promoting cleaner, more resilient, and healthier cities for present and future generations.