Uso de rotas tecnológicas como instrumento norteador da gestão de resíduos sólidos em instituições de ensino.

Abstract

The environmental impacts resulting from solid waste disposal are one of the major global concerns. Various human activities release tons of toxic substances into the environment, leading to the contamination of natural resources. Thus, waste management is becoming an increasingly necessary action. In this context, technological routes, which comprise the set of processes, technologies, and waste flows from generation to final disposal, play a crucial role in proper waste disposal. This study aims to propose technological routes to improve solid waste management at IFMA - Centro Histórico Campus. The research is a case study conducted in the three units of IFMA - Centro Histórico Campus. A diagnosis was carried out on waste generation, identifying the types and quantities of waste, as well as the waste management practices within the units. Additionally, the gravimetric and volumetric composition of the waste was analyzed to determine appropriate technological routes. It was observed that 66,7% of the waste is classified as non-hazardous (class 2) and that classrooms were the sector with the highest waste generation, followed by restrooms, administrative sectors, and the cafeteria/living area. Two technological routes were identified in the institution's current waste management system, addressing both class 1 and class 2 waste. The gravimetric characterization revealed that sanitary waste accounted for the largest fraction, making up 43,9% of the total waste, followed by plastic, which represented 25,5%. In terms of volumetric composition, plastic and paper/cardboard had the highest volumes, corresponding to 48,2% and 24,5%, respectively. The technological routes developed for class 1 waste included four disposal options, while three destinations were mapped for class 2 waste. The proposed technological routes in this study represent an opportunity to enhance solid waste management at the institution, promoting practices aligned with environmental education and sustainability, social inclusion, and economic efficiency.