SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT: A LOOK AT THE MUNICIPALITIES OF VIDEIRA AND CAÇADOR-SC AND CITIES IN MEXICO, IN THE LIGHT OF HANS JONAS' PRINCIPLE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Abstract

Solid waste management is one of the main challenges of contemporary cities, intensified by population growth, excessive consumption and uncontrolled industrialization. The selective collection of recyclable materials stands out as a crucial public policy to promote sustainability, reduce environmental impacts, and conserve natural resources. This study compares the practices of selective collection in the municipalities of Videira and Caçador, in the Midwest of Santa Catarina, with emphasis on the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), with reference cities in Mexico, such as Cozumel (Quintana Roo) and Salinas Victoria (Nuevo León), evaluating the public policies implemented and their respective results. These municipalities, both in Brazil and Mexico, have similar demographic characteristics, facilitating a comparative analysis of solid waste management practices. In addition, Hans Jonas' philosophical perspective is incorporated, as the research also explores the need for an ethics of responsibility in solid waste management, emphasizing the importance of considering the long-term consequences of human actions on the environment and future generations. In addition, this work is aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11 and 12, which aim to promote sustainable cities and communities and ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns, respectively. Thus, the analysis of selective collection policies in Videira and Caçador and in the Mexican cities of Cozumel and Salinas Victoria was conducted in the light of a bibliographic, interpretative, qualitative approach.