Generation and residues management in timber industries in the Midwest region of the state of Paraná

Abstract

The timber industries generate significant amounts of waste, throughout its production process, constituting an environmental aggravating, due to its inadequate final disposal and the lack of alternatives to use. This study aimed to diagnose the generation of solid waste and evaluate the management of these in the timber industries. Through the application of a questionnaire, a diagnosis was made of the main residues generated by sawmills, veneer and plywood industries in the regions of Guarapuava e Irati, Paraná, verifying the management of these residues and the environmental performance of the industries. An amount of 13 thousand m³/month of generated residues was diagnosed, with emphasis on “coastline”, “wood processing finishing residues (dust, wood shavings)”, “log core” and “plywood cutting”. Only 50% of industries separate the residues, 11 make use of this residues and 9 have environmental management systems. It can be concluded that the industries lack alternatives for destination and use.