Making a case for recycling biodegradable municipal waste

The city subject of this research does not have any reverse logistics scheme for biodegradable waste. It goes to the landfill because recycling is considered impracticable for technical and economic reasons. The objective of this study was to refute the objections raised against biodegradable municipal waste recycling. Of the 600 tonnes of waste collected daily, 308 tonnes are biodegradable material originating from residences, merchants and shopping centers. To refute the economic objections, the study presents calculations based on compost prices and tipping fees that show a possible revenue of BRL 0.39 per kg of biodegradable waste collected and composted. This compares favorably with cardboard, paper, steel and plastics, which are recycled by market forces alone. The study identifies composting enterprises interested in receiving biodegradable municipal waste. To refute the technical objections, the research produced precedents of biodegradable discards recycling in apartment buildings and restaurants replicable at larger scales. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media New York.