COMPOSIÇÃO GRAVIMÉTRICA DOS RESÍDUOS SÓLIDOS COLETADOS NO LIXÃO A CÉU ABERTO DE ÁGUAS LINDAS (GOIÁS, BRASIL)

This paper presents the Gravimetric Composition Analysis conducted at Águas Lindas' Open-Air Dump to accurately characterize local waste, identify hazardous materials, strategize waste management, assess current practices, and set targets. Utilizing quantitative research, the quartering technique was employed, involving: 1) Sample Collection; 2) Waste Discharge; 3) Waste Homogenization; 4) Waste Division; 5) Half of Waste Removal; 6) Removal of the Other Half; 7) Total Sample Weighing; 8) Waste Sorting; 9) Individual Weighing; and 10) Material Percentages. Results indicated the following composition: miscellaneous (42.8%), biological contaminants (13.7%), organic materials (11.3%), plastic (10.7%), paper/cardboard (9.2%), cloth, rags, leather (3.8%), stone, earth, ceramic (2.9%), glass (2.3%), ferrous metal (1.3%), chemical contaminants (1.2%), non-ferrous metal (0.7%), and wood (0.2%). Conclusions encompassed: 1) Dumpsite Waste Composition; 2) Percentage of Waste Types; 3) Measures to Prevent New Dumpsite Creation; 4) Urgent Need for Regional Recycling Infrastructure; 5) Absence of Municipal Waste Management; and 6) Scarcity of Gravimetric Composition Research. This study underscores the significance of sustainable waste management in regions like Águas Lindas and underscores the imperative for tangible actions to address solid waste challenges.