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Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Based on Social Recycling: A Case Study with Waste Picker Cooperatives in Brasília, Brazil

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  • Julia Luz Camargos Mesquita

    (Department of Public Health, University of Brasilia, QE 40 Conj J Lote 30 Guará II, Brasilia 71070-102, Brazil)

  • Jutta Gutberlet

    (Department of Geography, University of Victoria, P.O. Box 3060 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 3R4, Canada)

  • Katiuscia Pereira de Araujo

    (Department of Chemical Engineer, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil)

  • Vanessa Resende Nogueira Cruvinel

    (Department of Public Health, University of Brasilia, SHVP Trecho 3 Quadra 10 Conj 07 Casa 07, Brasilia 72002-024, Brazil)

  • Fabiano Harada Duarte

    (Department of Public Policies, Federal University of ABC, Alameda da Universidade, S/N, Sao Bernardo do Campo 09606-045, Brazil)

Abstract

Solid waste is a major contributor to climate change due to the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) during the decomposition of waste. As a consequence, waste should be avoided, and an appropriate destination should be given to all materials that are discarded. While not the only strategy, recycling is a fundamental process in addressing this problem. In 2013, a study carried out with one waste picker cooperative in São Paulo has paved the way to assessing the impact of recycling on GHG emission reduction, by using the methodological tools of the Clean Development Mechanism of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change. The objective of our study is to evaluate the applicability of this methodology to different work environments, measuring greenhouse gas emission reductions and energy saving as a consequence of recycling. Our study involves three waste picker organizations located in the city of Brasília, Brazil. The three cooperatives have made secondary data for 2019 on their material input and output available. The following variables were considered: type and amount of solid waste collected, type of machines used, energy sources and transport routes. The data analysis verified that waste picker organizations significantly contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and energy savings. We conclude that this methodology can be applied successfully to calculate emission reductions and energy savings from material recycling in different recycling contexts. Ultimately, this research recognizes the positive environmental and climate impact of the work of waste pickers, which needs to be recognized and remunerated.

Suggested Citation

  • Julia Luz Camargos Mesquita & Jutta Gutberlet & Katiuscia Pereira de Araujo & Vanessa Resende Nogueira Cruvinel & Fabiano Harada Duarte, 2023. "Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Based on Social Recycling: A Case Study with Waste Picker Cooperatives in Brasília, Brazil," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:12:p:9185-:d:1165242
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kirchherr, Julian & Reike, Denise & Hekkert, Marko, 2017. "Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 221-232.
    2. Gutberlet, Jutta, 2021. "Grassroots waste picker organizations addressing the UN sustainable development goals," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    3. Philip Fearnside, 2015. "Tropical hydropower in the clean development mechanism: Brazil’s Santo Antônio Dam as an example of the need for change," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 131(4), pages 575-589, August.
    4. Jutta Gutberlet & Sebastián Carenzo & Jaan-Henrik Kain & Adalberto Mantovani Martiniano de Azevedo, 2017. "Waste Picker Organizations and Their Contribution to the Circular Economy: Two Case Studies from a Global South Perspective," Resources, MDPI, vol. 6(4), pages 1-12, September.
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