Resumo:
A worldwide trend exists with the aim of changing from a linear economic system to a circular economy, which would promote the recirculation of products in a restorative system that is capable of reducing the need for new raw material extraction. Thus, the circular economy would allow minimization of environmental problems arising from the inadequate disposal of waste and of those related to the scarcity of resources. In Brazil, an increase in the generation of solid urban waste is occurring and will be maintained in the coming years, which should provide the impetus for allowing implementation of waste energy recovery technologies (WtE). However, minimal knowledge in the different states of Brazil about the energy, economic, and environmental benefits that can be achieved with the implementation of WtE technologies in waste management still exists. In this sense, the present work involved a study in the state of Minas Gerais, the second most populous one in Brazil, in which technological alternatives were evaluated for the treatment and energy recovery of urban solid waste in a circular economic context. Different technologies that use thermochemical and biochemical routes were evaluated with respect to energetic and economic aspects in order to determine their technical and economic viability according to the population of the state’s municipalities. The different treatment alternatives were evaluated under the concept of a circular economy and in terms of avoided emissions. Finally, the possibility of forming consortia among municipalities was evaluated. Find out if a scenario in which it is used as economic alternatives and with greater generation of electricity in each population group studied, it is possible to generate a total of 2,869,666 MWh per year and a reduction of 84% in the final selection of consumption in landfill. With an assumption of application of consortia across the state, an electrical generation of 6,651,349 MWh per year was estimated and an 82% reduction in the landfill waste reserve. With the formation of consortia, it would be possible to implement an incineration application associated with anaerobic digestion in more areas of the state, or that would allow an increase without potential for electrical generation. Among the available alternatives, select a maximum avoided level with the use of the composition associated with recycling. It can be seen the importance of higher recycling rates to adapt to the circular economy and, thus, obtain greater environmental benefits.
