MATOS, E. M. B.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/8625725354873214; MATOS, Emerson Marcelo Bezerra.
Resumo:
The paper presented here analyzes the management of solid waste at the CDSA
University Restaurant from the perspective of the circular economy. The research
aims to evaluate how waste is managed, identify opportunities for reuse, and
propose strategies to minimize waste, promoting sustainable practices aligned with
the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS). The methodology adopted was an
exploratory and descriptive case study, with data collection based on daily weighing
of waste over a three-month period. The data were organized and analyzed to
identify patterns and propose improvements. Recommended circular practices
include recycling and the allocation of organic waste for pig feed. The results
showed that, over three months of monitoring, the average daily waste was 7.47 kg,
representing 4.85% of daily food production. Although these values are averages,
there were significant peaks that suggest the need for operational improvements.
The analyses highlighted variations in waste levels in different periods, with the
months of July to September presenting a higher volume of waste (172 kg), while
between September and October there was a reduction to 157 kg, influenced by the
decrease in academic activity due to final exams. The study indicated that the
implementation of circular practices, such as the use of waste for pig feed, is viable
and can generate environmental and economic benefits. The practice of allocating
organic waste to pig farming has proven to be effective in reusing materials and
reducing environmental impact, highlighting the potential for replicating these
strategies in other institutions. In conclusion, the results suggest that, despite some
control over waste, there is room for optimization. It is recommended that awareness
campaigns and improvements in process management, such as adjustments to
menus and continuous monitoring, be implemented to further reduce waste and
promote sustainability in the university environment.