Sustentabilidade da gestão de resíduos sólidos urbanos em Montes Claros, MG: avaliação por meio de indicadores multidimensionais

Abstract

This study examines municipal solid waste management in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, employing sustainability indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of local government actions in relation to the guidelines established by the National Solid Waste Policy (NSWP). The research is grounded in the recognition that accelerated urbanization, rising consumption levels, and increasing waste generation impose significant challenges on public administration, particularly in medium-sized municipalities. Sustainability measurement was based on an assessment model composed of 42 indicators distributed across six dimensions: political, technological, economic-financial, environmental, knowledge (environmental education), and social inclusion. The study adopted a mixed quantitative-qualitative approach, incorporating a literature review, document analysis, field observations, and a questionnaire administered to the Municipal Secretariat of Urban Services. The overall sustainability index calculated for Montes Claros was 7.09, reflecting a medium level of sustainability, yet still below what would be considered fully sustainable. The findings indicate important institutional progress, such as the approval of the Municipal Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan (MISWMP), the operation of selective waste collection, and participation in state programs (including the Ecological ICMS and the Recycling Grant). Nevertheless, several structural limitations remain, including limited territorial coverage of selective collection, insufficient public engagement, weaknesses in environmental education, and challenges related to the socio-productive inclusion of waste pickers. The study concludes that, although Montes Claros exhibits a partially favorable sustainability performance, it still requires strengthened planning, investments, and mechanisms for social participation in order to consolidate a more efficient solid waste management system aligned with the principles of the NSWP and the Sustainable Development Goals.