Avaliação da gestão de resíduos sólidos na Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte pela percepção de seus servidores.

Abstract

The constant increase in the production of solid waste results in significant environmental impacts, such as the contamination of water resources and the intensification of the greenhouse effect. The complexity of the problem is reflected not only in the environmental, financial and social dimensions, but also in its intersection with legal and constitutional issues. This research analyzed the perception of sustainable solid waste management policies at the State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), considering compliance with the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), the Environmental Agenda in Public Administration (A3P) and the commitments of Agenda 2030. This study used a mixed descriptive and exploratory methodology. Institutional documents were analyzed and questionnaires were administered to civil servants through semi- structured interviews. The quantitative data was subjected to statistical analysis, while the qualitative data was examined using the content analysis technique. The triangulation of the data showed that although the UERN has institutional guidelines for solid waste management, its implementation still faces structural, administrative and cultural challenges. Staff perceive gaps in the selective collection infrastructure, in the training of managers and in the participation of the academic community, factors that hinder the effectiveness of sustainable practices. The results indicate that solid waste management policies need to be strengthened, managers need to be more engaged and awareness-raising actions need to be expanded. As recommendations, it is proposed that the institution be able to carry out the practices recommended by the PNRS, A3P and the targets set out in Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12), the creation of specific internal regulations and the establishment of continuous monitoring mechanisms. It was concluded that in order for the UERN to advance in sustainable solid waste management, it is essential to integrate environmental policies into institutional practices and foster an organizational culture geared towards sustainability.