Managing urban wastes

Description

Managing urban wastes involves the systematic collection, segregation, treatment, recycling, and safe disposal of solid and liquid wastes generated in cities. The strategy aims to reduce environmental pollution, protect public health, and recover resources by implementing efficient waste management infrastructure, promoting community participation, enforcing regulations, and encouraging waste minimization at source. Key actions include establishing reliable waste collection services, supporting recycling initiatives, and ensuring environmentally sound landfill and treatment facilities.

Implementation

In 1999, 135 Brazilian cities were operating separated waste collection services, benefiting around six million Brazilians. City governments have allocated resources in the training of street waste collectors (catadores), encouraging their organization into cooperatives. The service is then no drain of public finances and provides an income for those families in most need.