Melhoria do processo de gestão de resíduos perigosos na indústria de eletrodomésticos: um estudo de caso em uma empresa multinacional

Abstract

Efficient management of hazardous waste is a crucial pillar for sustainability in the home appliance industry, where the need for innovation and environmentally responsible practices is becoming increasingly pressing. This study focused on a home appliance industry, seeking to minimize the volume of hazardous waste sent for co-processing through the adoption of sustainable and circular economy practices. Methodologically, technical visits, interviews with employees, and analysis of company data and spreadsheets were carried out to diagnose current waste management and explore new treatment and reuse strategies, aligned with the National Solid Waste Policy. Among the practices evaluated, the following stand out: oil re-refining, separation of oily emulsion, reuse of materials from washing industrial towels, and reuse of contaminated gallons to manufacture ecological bricks. Each method was evaluated for its environmental advantages, potential for reducing operating costs, and technical feasibility. Based on the analysis and implementation of recommendations for more efficient and sustainable waste management, it was estimated that operating costs would be reduced by treating the oil emulsion (R$109,740.00), reusing industrial towels (R$28,720.00), providing awareness training on selective waste collection (R$6,500.00), and allocating plastic packaging for the production of ecological bricks (R$520.00), resulting in a total reduction of 67% in waste sent for co-processing and savings of approximately R$145,000.00, considering the change in the final destination of waste and the reuse of materials. It is therefore concluded that the proposals resulted in a reduction in operating costs and the mitigation of environmental impacts, reinforcing circular economy practices and the company's commitment to sustainability.