ANALYSIS OF INSTITUTIONAL ASPECTS, EFFICIENCY, AND COSTS OF URBAN SOLID WASTE SELECTIVE COLLECTION IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF COLOMBO, PR, BRAZIL

Sustainability indicators are essential tools for assessing the management of urban solid waste selective collection systems. This study aimed to evaluate the institutional aspects, efficiency, and costs of the selective waste collection system in the municipality of Colombo, Paraná, Brazil, using sustainability indicators. The research was carried out in three phases: first, a diagnostic assessment of the residential waste collection management, with an emphasis on selective collection, was conducted; second, sustainability indicators were calculated and evaluated; and third, two main products were developed: a Critical Methodological Product, aimed at suggesting improvements in the applicability of the indicators, and recommendations to optimize the integrated management of recyclable waste. The results showed that, of the four institutional indicators, three were positive, reflecting the existence of an integrated waste management plan, a contract with a third-party company for collection services, and full municipal coverage. However, the system's self-financing was unfavorable due to insufficient funds collected through taxes. In terms of efficiency, the waste recovery rate in the municipality was 1.88%, while the reject rate at recycling cooperatives was 29.7%. Regarding costs, adjustments are needed to adapt the cost indicators to the local context of Colombo. It is concluded that the selective collection system in the municipality requires improvements, including the formalization of informal waste pickers, better segregation of recyclables, inclusion of companies responsible for reverse logistics, and the promotion of more effective environmental education. These results are crucial for strengthening management and informing decisions in the municipality’s selective waste collection program.