A prioridade da não geração na Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos: dimensões, perspectivas e aplicabilidade

Abstract

Non-generation is the highest priority established in the National Solid Waste Policy (Federal Law No. 12,305/2010) for solid waste management; however, it is not defined in Brazilian legislation. This research aimed to propose a concept for non-generation and assess its applicability. Grounded in historical materialism with a dialectical approach, the study utilized a literature review, documentary research, and content analysis. Based on the analysis of the hierarchies from the Zero Waste movement and Directive 2008/98/EC, three dimensions of non-generation were proposed: production and consumption, waste, and rejects, each with representative keywords. These dimensions were applied in the evaluation of the National Solid Waste Policy, the National Solid Waste Plan, and the São Paulo State Solid Waste Plan, identifying the limits and possibilities of implementing non-generation practices. The study related the policy’s principles, objectives, instruments, and guidelines to these dimensions, revealing a broader coverage of reject non-generation, followed by waste, and a more limited scope for production and consumption. Different degrees of implementation difficulty were observed, ranging from basic to intermediate and advanced levels. As a synthesis, a concept of non-generation was proposed based on the legal foundations, with practical applicability and potential contributions to advancing solid waste management and public policies focused on sustainability. Non-generation consists of three dimensions—production and consumption, waste, and rejects—that differ from each other yet are complementary and, together, promote the maintenance of natural capital for future generations, quality of life, and environmental well-being.