Investigating solid-waste management in the Cariri Oeste Region using the Updated Waste Management Condition Index – ICGRA

Abstract

The northeast region of Brazil has poor waste management and lags in compliance with the National Solid-Waste Policy. The use of indicators is a promising alternative for the specific assessment of solid-waste management conditions. This study investigated the solid-waste management system of municipalities in the Cariri Oeste region (CE) through the characterization of management services and application of the Updated Waste Management Condition Index (ICGRA) method. In ICGRA, indicators are grouped into four categories, namely the characteristics of the management system, Management System Planning, Operational Conditions of the Management System, and specific indicators of the PNRS and new technologies. Data and information regarding the indicators were obtained from websites, academic literature, plans and studies relevant to the subject, field visits, contact with municipal managers, and photographic records. After applying the data diagnosed in the ICGRA method, an inadequate management scenario was determined for all the evaluated municipalities. This result, linked to field observations, complemented the diagnosis, which reflected the status of municipalities. The most fragile points observed in the ICGRA results concern the management compliance with the provisions of PNRS and new technologies. ICGRA proved to be effective in evaluating the management of municipal solid waste in the CE region.