Implementing the Brazilian national policy for treating solid waste (ProteGEEr)

Context

In 2010, Brazil adopted a forward-looking waste management policy. Implementation is still incomplete and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the waste sector are still rising. CO2 reduction targets for the waste sector are not yet defined for the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of the Paris Agreement.

Municipalities still face technical and institutional challenges in implementing solid waste management plans and more than 2,000 dumps still have to be closed.

Considering the potential for sustainable waste management in Brazil, it makes sense to align this with the National Plan on Climate Change. This would highlight the waste sector as a GHG mitigator.

Objective

Improved waste management in Brazil is making a tangible contribution towards GHG emissions reduction targets and to climate change mitigation.

Approach

The project advises ministries on how to integrate climate-related criteria into waste sector regulations. Methods to calculate GHG emissions from municipal solid waste are being adapted to the Brazilian context. Technologies to mitigate GHG emissions are supported, and recycling is promoted.

Local government and private sector officials are trained in planning and implementing effective waste management that is low impact in terms of climate change. Decision-making tools were developed and applied in 32 municipalities and are now being disseminated to all regions of the country. The project also trains local authorities and key actors to implement sustainable waste management initiatives.

In collaboration with thirteen educational institutions, the project develops curricula for postgraduate studies on sustainable waste management and climate change mitigation using the teach4waste platform. It also supports applied research projects and dialogue between German and Brazilian research institutions.

Last update: Februar 2022