The average Brazilian generates nearly one kilogram of waste per day, according to a survey by Selurb (National Union of Urban Cleaning Companies). Meanwhile, according to Abrelpe (Brazilian Association of Public Cleaning and Special Waste Companies), organic waste represents half of the total urban waste generated in Brazil every year. This is waste that could be repurposed for composting, biodigestion, and/or energy production, but is instead sent to landfills—where it contaminates the soil and produces polluting gases.
Robust public policies are required to reverse this scenario, as Brazil's recycling rate is currently only 4%, according to Abrelpe. Nevertheless, on an individual level and even within small groups, this reality can be mitigated through community composting, a practice that helps decompose organic waste, transforming it into rich fertilizer for plants.
