Gases de efeito estufa associados às operações de uma cooperativa de materiais recicláveis

Abstract

Recyclable material cooperatives play a crucial role in promoting recyclingandmaterial circularity, generating resource savings and environmental benefits; however, theiractivities also result in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These emissions stemfromtheprocessing and transportation of recyclable materials. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) isavital methodology for identifying the environmental impacts of different waste treatment methods, guiding decisions on more sustainable technologies and policies. Thus, theoverall objective of this study is to assess the GHG emissions associated with the wastecollection process of the Itamare recycling cooperative, located in the municipalityofItabaiana (Paraíba – Brazil), and to investigate strategies for their mitigation. Toachievethis, three specific objectives were defined. The first involves a systematic literature reviewthat combines bibliometric analysis and content analysis, focusing on recyclingcooperatives and LCA. This stage provided a broader understanding of the current stateofthe art in both areas. The results showed that, within a set of 54 articles addressingrecycling cooperatives, only 12% discussed the LCA methodology, highlightingadeveloping field and a possible lack of awareness regarding the importance of this methodfor the subject under study. This review also enabled the selection of articles that providedthe necessary foundation for the analyses required in the design of the study. In the secondstage, GHG emissions (carbon footprint) associated with the Itamare recycling cooperativewere quantified. For this purpose, the LCA methodology was applied, consideringtheprocesses of collection, processing, and transportation of waste destined for recyclingcompanies. It was found that, from a total of 194.98 t CO₂-eq emitted monthly, 99.9%wereassociated with the collection of 150 tons of assorted waste and the transportationof 40tons of plastic waste using a diesel-powered vehicle. This portion accounted for over 99%of the GHG emissions, highlighting transportation as the main critical point. Finally, inthethird stage, technological alternatives with the potential to reduce these emissions wereinvestigated. Initially, the replacement of regular diesel with S-10 diesel was considered, followed by blends of biodiesel (at 20%, 25%, and 100% proportions). The possibilityofreplacing the cooperative’s truck with an electric vehicle was also considered. The resultsshowed that using 20% and 25% biodiesel could reduce GHG emissions by up to3.06%(715.04 t CO₂-eq/year), provided that compatible vehicles are used. With pure biodiesel, the reduction could reach 29.99%, also depending on vehicle adaptation. The data collectedmay guide other cooperatives and promote sustainable practices in the sector, reinforcingthe importance of integrating science, operations, and public policy in the transitiontoalow-carbon economy.