Major challenges in the implementation of solid waste (C&DW) recycling plants: a case study in Caraguatatuba

Abstract

In search of improving the balance between humans and nature, increasing studies and efforts to generate the least possible waste, to extract the minimum amount of natural resource, and to recycle as much as possible to improve our quality of life and of the planet. The construction industry is responsible for a significant portion of environmental impact, being the sector that consumes the largest amount of natural resources and generates the most solid waste. In front of this, recycling Construction and Demolition Waste (C&DW) is essential. In an effort to improve the sector's sustainability, this work aims to understand the challenges of implementing a Construction and Demolition Waste (C&DW) Recycling Plant with emphasis on a case study in the city of Caraguatatuba, Sao Paulo, Brazil. This article presents a basic review of the topic, data on the current situation of C&DW management in the municipality, as well as reports from visits to responsible city agencies and consultation of available online databases. One of the main challenges identified was the lack of collection and dissemination of information to governmental agencies so that strategies could be established for the implementation of a Solid Waste Recycling Plant.