Incineração de Resíduos Sólidos Urbanos com Aproveitamento para Geração de Energia na Baixada Santista: Controvérsias e Desafios para a Sustentabilidade

The incineration of municipal solid waste (MSW) with energy recovery is presented as an alternative for final disposal, but it generates recurring controversies due to its environmental and health impacts. This article analyzes the debates surrounding the topic based on the Technical Opinion on the Valoriza Santos Waste-to-Energy Facility (URE) and recent scientific evidence. This is a documentary and bibliographic analysis conducted using a qualitative and critical-interpretive approach. The results indicate concerns regarding atmospheric emissions, the release of dioxins and furans, the generation of hazardous ash, and potential adverse impacts on recycling. The discussion contrasts these issues with the scientific literature, highlighting convergences, divergences, and knowledge gaps. It is concluded that the sustainability of the process requires rigorous operational control, lacks alignment with the circular economy, and does not appear to be the most appropriate option within the ESG agenda