Thesis (M.P.H.)--University of Michigan, 1944. / Cover title: The effect of certain industrial wastes on anaerobic decomposition.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 76-79).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Auburn University. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 153-178).

Thesis (MSc Food Sc)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The large volumes of effluent water generated by distillery industries is an issue of great concern as it contains pollutants that must be treated according to environmental legislation. It has been reported that grain distillery wastewater (GDWW) is high in fats, oils and greases (FOG) that can be reduced by treating with suitable microorganisms. The objective of this study was to investigate the biodegradability of FOG in GDWW. This was done by isolating lipolytic bacteria from soil, which was situated close to the GDWW treatment plant at a distillery in Wellington, South Africa. These isolates were screened for lipolytic activity on various fat substrates. Secondly, the most desirable isolates were subjected to batch biodegradation trials using GDWW as substrate and tested for their ability to biodegrade FOG. Each of the four isolates, Pseudomonas fluorescens (1), Pseudomonas luteola (2), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (3) and Bacillus licheniformis (4) were screened on three types of media: DifcoTM Spirit Blue Agar with Tributyrin (SBA-Tri); Victoria Blue B Agar with Cotton Seed Oil (VBB-CSO); and Victoria Blue B Agar with GDWW (VBB-GDWW) at different temperatures (25°C, 30°C, 37°C and 50°C) to determine optimal enzyme activity for lipolysis. Lipolysis was taken as positive when growth of dark blue colonies was formed or by the formation of a clear zone around the colony. Lipolysis was observed at all the aforementioned temperatures for P. fluorescens, P. luteola and S. maltophilia. Bacillus licheniformis failed to show any lipolytic activity at 50°C on the SBA-Tri. A decrease in lipolytic (clear) zone was observed at an increase in temperature from 25°C to 37°C for P. fluorescens. When VBB-GDWW was used as lipid substrate, isolates failed to indicate any clear zone of lipolysis, however, growth was present for all isolates in the form of a dark blue zone around colonies, which were also positive for lipolytic activity. Three lipolytic bacteria (P. luteola, S. maltophilia, and B. licheniformis) isolated from the above study were subjected to GDWW of various FOG concentrations (70 – 211 mg.L-1). These isolates were allowed to acclimatise to GDWW during a batch biodegradation period (18 – 21 d) at 37°C. Bacillus licheniformis showed the highest FOG reduction of 83% after 18 d exposure. All the strains showed that an initial acclimatisation phase improved the biodegradation of the FOG. A fatty acid profile was obtained for each batch biodegradation trial after the acclimatisation phase. It was found that these strains either biodegraded the fatty acids (FAs) or, as in the case of P. luteola, formed myristic and pentadecyclic acids from free FAs. The formation of FAs may have occurred through a process of inter-esterification. It was also found that certain precursors such as palmitoleic acid might be formed under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. In this study it was shown that biodegradation of FOG can be improved by an initial acclimatisation period. Single cultures with the desirable properties can be used to lower the FOG in GDWW and need not be used in mixed cultures that could produce inhibitory components that would otherwise upset the biodegradation activity of isolates present. Bacillus licheniformis could be used as a FOG-degrading isolate during the treatment of wastewaters high in FOG. However, future studies should focus on bioaugmenting the FOG degrading bacteria from this study with other strains to monitor its activity and ensure survival and activity in larger scale studies. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die groot volumes afloopwater wat opgelewer word deur die distilleer-industrie is ‘n kwessie wat groot kommer wek aangesien dit groot hoeveelhede besoedelende stowwe bevat. Daarom moet dit, volgens omgewingsverwante wetgewing, behandel word. Daar is voorheen gerapporteer dat graandistillerings-afloopwater (GDAW) hoog is in vette, olies en ghries (VOG) en dat hierdie VOG verminder kan word deur die GDAW te behandel met toepaslike mikroörganismes. Die oorhoofse doelstelling van hierdie studie was om die bioafbreekbaarheid van die VOG in GDAW te ondersoek. Dit is eerstens gedoen deur lipolitiese bakterieë uit grond wat naby ‘n graandistillerings-aanleg (Wellington, SuidAfrika) geleë is, te isoleer. Verskeie vetsubstrate is gebruik om hierdie isolate vir lipolitiese aktiwiteit te toets. Tweedens is die verkose isolate getoets vir lipolitiese aktiwiteit deur gebruik te maak van lot-bio-afbreekbaarheidsmetode. Tydens hierdie metode is GDAW as substraat gebruik en die verskillende bakterieë se vermoë om VOG af te breek is getoets. Om die optimale ensiemaktiwiteit vir lipolise van elk van die vier isolate nl. Pseudomonas fluorescens (1), Pseudomonas luteola (2), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (3) en Bacillus licheniformis (4), vas te stel, is elk getoets op drie verkillende media: “DifcoTM Spirit Blue Agar” met Tributirien (SBA-Tri); “Victoria Blue B Agar” met Katoensaadolie (VBB-KSO); en “Victoria Blue B Agar” met GDAW (VBB-GDAW) teen verskillende temperature (25°C, 30°C, 37°C en 50°C). Indien donker-blou kolonies gevorm is of ‘n deursigbare sone rondom ‘n kolonie waargeneem is, is lipolise as “positief” beskou. Lipolise is waargeneem teen alle voorafgenoemde temperature vir P. fluorescens, P. luteola en S. maltophilia. Bacillus licheniformis het nie lipolitiese aktiwiteit getoon teen 50°C op SBA-Tri. ‘n Afname in die deursigbare sone is waargeneem teenoor ‘n toename in temperatuur vanaf 25°C tot 37°C vir P. fluorescens. In die geval van VBB-GDAW as lipiedsubstraat, het isolate geen deursigbare sone vir lipolise getoon nie. Daar was egter ‘n donker-blou sone rondom kolonies teenwoordig, wat ook positief is vir lipolitiese aktiwiteit. Drie lipolitiese bakterieë (P. luteola, S. maltophilia, and B. licheniformis) is geïsoleer uit bogenoemde studie en is aan inkubasie in GDAW teen verksillende VOGkonsentrasies (70 – 211 mg.L-1) blootgestel. Hierdie isolate is toegelaat om te akklimatiseer tot die GDAW tydens ‘n lot-bio-afbreekbaarheidstydperk (18 – 21 d) teen 37°C. Bacillus licheniformis het die hoogste VOG-afname van 83% na 18 d blootstelling getoon. Alle bakterieë het getoon dat ‘n aanvanklike akklimatiserings-tydperk die bioafbreekbaarheid van die VOG verbeter. ‘n Vetsuur-profiel is verkry vir elk van die lot-bio afbreekbaarheidstoetse na die akklimatiserings-fase. Daar is bevind dat hierdie bakterieë óf die vetsure afgebreek het óf, soos in die geval van P. luteola, miristiese en pentadesikliese sure, vanaf vry-vetsure, gevorm het. Die vorming van vetsure is moontlik as gevolg van die proses van inter-esterifikasie. Dit is verder bevind dat sekere voorlopers, soos palmitoë-oleïensuur, gevorm kan word onder aërobies of anaërobiese toestande. In hierdie studie is getoon dan die bio-afbreekbaarheid van VOG verbeter kan word deur ‘n aanvanklike akklimatiserings-tydperk toe te pas. Enkel-kulture met die verkose eienskappe kan gebruik word om die VOG in GDAW te verminder. Gemengde kulture, wat inhiberende komponente produseer wat moontlik die bio-afbreekbaarheids proses negatief kan beïnvloed, hoef dus nie gebruik te word nie. Bacillus licheniformis kan gebruik word as ‘n VOG-afbrekende isolaat tydens die behandeling van afloopwater wat hoog in VOG is. Verdere studies moet egter fokus op die samevoeging van VOGafbrekende bakterieë vanuit hierdie studie asook ander bakterieë om die aktiwiteit daarvan te monitor en sodoende oorlewing en aktiwteit op ‘n groter skaal te verseker.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: There is increasing pressure on factories and government to practise cleaner technology. The public is becoming more and more environmentally aware and external pressure from international competitors is also forcing companies to adopt environmentally sound production practices. Our natural resources and the environment need environmentally friendly practices. Waste minimisation is not only prudent practice for manufacturing industries, but is also an integral part of environmental regulations in many countries, including South Africa. This research seeks to investigate the extent and potential for industrial waste minimisation in Stellenbosch. The objectives of this thesis are, firstly to establish and evaluate the present range and extent of industrial solid waste minimisation practices; secondly to identify and evaluate potential industrial solid waste minimisation measures that could (if necessary) be instituted in future; and finally to propose a general strategy for the minimisation of industrial solid waste in Stellenbosch. The findings reflect that currently there is little waste minimisation awareness and practice in Stellenbosch. The most common method of waste minimisation currently practised by industries is recycling through the selling of recyclables. The least common method is the equipment-related change method, due to the high costs involved in adopting this method. Based on the findings, a suitable regional waste management strategy was developed and this strategy could possibly be adopted elsewhere in South Africa. Key words: waste minimisation, waste management, re-use, recycling, factory, environment, practice, participation, cleaner technology, awareness, Stellenbosch / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Daar is toenemende druk op fabrieke sowel as op die regering om skoner tegnologie te beoefen. Die publiek raak ook toenemend meer omgewingsbewus en druk vanaf die kant van internasionale mededingers forseer maatskappye om praktyke in te stel wat gunstig is ten optigte van die omgewing. Ons natuurlike hulpbronne en die omgewing benodig omgewingsvriendelike vervaardigingspraktyke. Die beperking van afvalstowwe is nie net vir die fabriekswese 'n wyse praktyk nie, maar maak ook in vele lande, met inbegrip van Suid-Afrika, 'n integrale deel uit van regulasies met betrekking tot die omgewing. Hierdie navorsingsprojek poog om die omvang en potensiaal van beperking van afvalstowwe in Stellenbosch te ondersoek. Die doelwitte van die ondersoek is eertens om ondersoek in te stel na die huidige reikwydte en omvang van praktyke om vaste industriële afvalstowwe te beperk en dit te evalueer; tweedens om potensiële industriële vaste afvalstofbeperkingsmaatreëls wat, indien nodig, in die toekoms ingestel sou kon word, te indentifiseer en te evalueer; en dan uiteindelik 'n algemene strategie vir die beperking van vaste industriële afvalstowwe in Stellenbosch voor te stel. Die bevindings in hierdie tesis bewys dat daar tans gennge bewustheid van die noodaaklikheid van afvalstofbeperking in Stellenbosch is en dat dit ewe min in die praktyk toegepas word. Die mees algemene vorm van beperking van afvalstowwe in die fabriekswese is deur middel van verkoop van herwinbare afvalstowwe. Die mins algemene vorm van beperking van afvalstowwe hou verband met die vervanging van toerusting. Die rede hiervoor het te doen met die koste verbonde aan die strategie. Vanuit hierdie bevindings is toepaslike strategie vir die bestuur van afvalstowwe op streeksvlak ontwikkel. Hierdie strategie sou moontlik ook elders in Suid-Afrika toegepas kon word. Sleutelwoorde: beperking van afvalstowwe, afvalstofbestuur, hergebruik, herwinning, fabriek, omgewing, praktyk, deelname, skoner tegnologie, bewustheid, Stellenbosch

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:35:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2013-04-23Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:46:45Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 prestes_smd_dr_bauru.pdf: 1701085 bytes, checksum: 13d4635bbd2dc098860708d385a9fd62 (MD5) / A indústria calçadista gera um montante elevado de resíduos de poli[(etileno)-co-(acetato de vinila)], o EVA, na forma de placas expandidas reticuladas sem soluções adequadas de reaproveitamento e/ou reciclagem. A destinação atualmente encontrada para resíduos é o aterramento e a reciclagem energética. Neste contexto, a despolimerização surge como alternativa para reinserir os resíduos no segmento de origem já que o objetivo deste estudo é o reaproveitamento dos mesmos após diferentes métodos de reciclagem química. Cinco resíduos calçadistas de EVA foram caracterizados e um deles foi escolhido para a despolimerização. Também foi determinado o Poder Calorífico do EVA, 7,462 Kcal/Kg, valor que não é suficiente para afirmar que sua queima é viável técnica, ambiental e economicamente. Classificou-se os resíduos moídos de forma granulométrica e com os mesmos em tamanho de partícula de 1000 цm foram testados três métodos de despolimerização: com peróxido de hidrogênio, microondas e com ozônio, sendo este último o que apresentou melhores resultados em 270 minutos de exposição ao gás. Ocorreu diminuição de aproximadamente 44% do teor de gel, quando comparado ao resíduo sem qualquer tipo de tratamento (66,73%) resultando em um material total ou parcialmente termoplástico, o que amplia as possibilidades de reaproveitamento do resíduo, inclusive visando retorná-lo para o segmento de origem. Foram confeccionadas blendas de PVC com EVA proveniente de resíduos despolimerizados com ozônio em diferentes teores (2,5%, 5% e 7%) e as mesmas foram caracterizadas pro Espectroscopia na Região do Infravermelho, Ângulo de contato, tração, MEV e Análises térmicas. Alguns dos resultados sugerem a miscibilidade dos sistemas, mas para tanto são necessárias análises térmicas mais aprofundadas / The shoe industry generates a large amount of poly [(ethylene)-co-(vinyl cetate)] waste in the form of thermoset expanded sheets without solutions of reuse and/or recycling. The currently disposal of waste found for EVA is the grounding and energy recycling. In this context, the depolymerization is an alternative to reenter the wastes in the segment. The objective of this study is the reuse of these waste after different chemical recycling methods in order to obtain blends with virgin PVC. Five distinct EVA shoe wastes were characterized and based on these results, one was chosen for the depolymerization process. Also was analyzed the Calorific Value of EVA, 7,462 Kcal, a value that is not enough to say that his firing is feasible technically, environmentally and economically. The milled wastes were classified based on the particle size and with the wastes in 1000 цm were performed three methods of depolymerization: with hydrogen peroxide, microwave and ozone, the latter being the one with best results in 270 minutes of exposure to the gas. There was a decrease of about 44% of crosslinking, when compared to the residue without any treatment (66,73%) resulting in a material totally or partially thermoplastic, which greatly expands the possibilities of waste, including aiming to return it to the proper shoe segment. Were prepared blends of PVC/EVA waste depolymerized at different levels (2,5%, 5% and 7%) and they were characterized by Infrared Spectroscopy, Contact Angle, Traction, SEM and Thermal Analysis. Some results suggest the miscibility of the systems, but are necessary Thermal Analyses deeper for this purpose

Acompanha: Construção do saber ambiental em uma escola rural: guia de práticas pedagógicas para estimular desenvolvimento de responsabilidade ambiental acerca dos resíduos sólidos / O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido com um grupo de dezoito alunos de 5ª série em uma escola rural no município de Palmeira – PR, e teve como objetivo elaborar um guia de práticas pedagógicas para estimular o desenvolvimento da responsabilidade ambiental acerca dos resíduos sólidos. O interesse em pesquisar a questão dos resíduos sólidos em uma escola rural foi construído principalmente pelas lacunas encontradas no exercício pedagógico em relação à temática, bem como por acreditar que a questão dos resíduos na área rural é mais problemática, haja visto que o processo de coleta dos resíduos é muitas vezes inexistente e as informações sobre o assunto ainda são pouco veiculadas. A pesquisa realizada foi de natureza interpretativa, sendo que para a elaboração de estratégias que alcançassem os objetivos propostos utilizou-se questionários e desenvolveu-se práticas pedagógicas relacionando à temática, os quais foram avaliados posteriormente por meio da realização de uma gincana. Os principais resultados desse trabalho indicaram que as atividades desenvolvidas foram capazes de sensibilizar esse grupo e direcioná-los para desenvolver ao longo do tempo a responsabilidade ambiental almejada, o que representa um resultado positivo para o trabalho. Com base nas atividades e na gincana realizada, originou-se ao fim da pesquisa um guia de atividades no qual é apresentada a metodologia utilizada e as práticas desenvolvidas. Por meio deste trabalho, espera-se que haja uma contribuição no sentido de promover o diálogo de saberes ambientais entre os sujeitos, sejam eles educadores, aprendizes ou demais profissionais que se relacionam com a Educação Ambiental, e que possa também oferecer embasamento para a adoção de atitudes de responsabilidade e cuidados com o meio ambiente. / This study was conducted with a group of eighteen students from5th grade in a rural school in Palmeira - PR, and objectived to development a guide teaching practices to stimulate the development of environmental responsibility on solid waste. The interest in researching the issue of solid waste in a rural school was built mainly by the deficiencies found in the pedagogical exercise in relation to the subject, as well as believing that the issue of waste in rural areas is more problematic, given the fact that the collection process waste is often lacking and information on the subject are still not very disseminated. The research was interpretive in nature, and for developing strategies to reach the proposed objectives, we used questionnaires and developed pedagogical practices relatingto the subject, which were subsequently evaluated by conducting a scavenger hunt. The main results of this study indicated that the activities were able to sensitize this group and direct them to develop over time the desired environmental responsibility, which represents a positive outcome for the job. Based on the activities carried out and the contest, originated at the end of a guide research activities in which you present the methodology and practices developed. Through this work, it is expected that there is a contribution to promote the dialogue of environmental knowledge among the subjects, be they educators, learners and other professionals that relate to environmental education, and can also provide basis for the adoption attitudes of responsibility and care for the environment.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar a contribuição da logística reversa para destinação dos resíduos sólidos têxteis do APL do vestuário de Maringá/Cianorte - PR. Sendo assim, no referencial teórico foram abordados os seguintes tópicos: logística reversa, resíduos sólidos têxteis e Arranjo Produtivo Local. O método utilizado na pesquisa foi o dedutivo. A abordagem metodológica adotada foi uma pesquisa aplicada, qualiquantitativa, exploratória e levantamento (survey). Para a coleta de dados utilizou-se um questionário, dividido em dois blocos. O Bloco A é constituído por trinta e três itens elaborados com base em um quadro teórico. Utilizou-se a escala de Likert. Este bloco visa analisar os processos logísticos reversos e contemplar os aspectos referentes ao meio ambiente, custos e legislação. O Bloco B aborda as dimensões e caracterização dos resíduos sólidos têxteis provenientes do APL, consistem em cinco questões baseadas no Inventário Nacional dos Resíduos Sólidos. A população do estudo é composta por 32 indústrias, selecionadas de acordo com o critério de acessibilidade. Os dados foram tabulados, analisados e tratados por meio de planilhas eletrônicas e a ferramenta Qualtrics. O referencial teórico embasou a discussão dos dados. Os resultados identificaram os processos da logística reversa utilizados para a destinação dos resíduos sólidos têxteis do APL, sendo que estes atendem a legislação vigente, mas não promovem lucros ou vantagens. Os materiais e resíduos têxteis foram dimensionados e caracterizados. Logo, é necessário à implementação de ações de controle e de separação a fim de promover a destinação adequada destes resíduos visando a valorização do mesmo e consequentemente a obtenção de vantagens e lucros. Desse modo, pode-se concluir que, a proposta da ferramenta baseada na LR vislumbra-se como um instrumento apto a proporcionar contribuições ao APL do vestuário de Maringá/ Cianorte – PR. / The objective of this study was to identify the reverse logistics contribution to disposal of solid wastes from textile clothing APL Maringa / Cianorte - PR. Thus, the theoretical framework the following topics were discussed: reverse logistics, textile waste and Local Productive Arrangement. The method used in the research was deductive. The adopted methodological approach was applied research, qualitative-quantitative, exploratory and survey (survey). To collect data, we used a questionnaire divided into two blocks. The Block A consists of thirty-three items developed based on a theoretical framework. We used the Likert scale. This block aims to analyze the reverse logistics processes and include matters relating to the environment, costs and legislation. Block B covers the dimensions and characterization of textile waste from the APL, consist of five questions based on the National Inventory of Solid Waste. The study population consists of 32 industries, selected according to the criteria of accessibility. Data were tabulated, analyzed and treated through spreadsheets and Qualtrics tool. The theoretical framework based the discussion of the data. The results showed the reverse logistics processes used for the disposal of textile waste of APL, and these comply with the current legislation, but do not promote profit or advantages. The textile materials and wastes were sized and characterized. It is therefore necessary to implement control and separation of actions in order to promote proper disposal of these wastes aimed at valorising the same and consequently obtaining advantages and profits. Thus, it can be concluded that the proposed tool based on LR in sight as an instrument able to provide contributions to the APL of Maringa clothing / Cianorte - PR.

Thesis (Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018. / The production of biodiesel is an energy and water intensive process. The wastewater that is produced during this process is high in concentrations of COD, BOD, FOG and various other contaminants. Since it contains low levels of nutrients, it is difficult to degrade using natural processes such as conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment. The discharge of untreated biodiesel wastewater also raises serious environmental concern. It interferes when remediated with biological processes and results in additional costs during the production of biodiesel when penalties and fines are applied. Conventional treatment processes are not capable of treating contaminants and pollutants in biodiesel to satisfactory concentrations and hence advanced treatment processes are necessary. In this research, a lab scale integrated treatment process was used to investigate the successful reduction of contaminants, in particular COD, BOD and FOG. The integrated treatment process used in this study consisted of three consecutive steps; acidification, electrochemical oxidation and adsorption using chitosan as an adsorbent. The electrochemical oxidation process with IrO2-Ta2O5/Ti anodes was applied to treat biodiesel wastewater. Different operating conditions were tested to establish favourable conditions. The current density applied as well as the concentration of NaCl as the supporting electrolyte greatly affected the process. A NaCl concentration of 0.08M was deemed sufficient, whereas a current density of 1 mA/cm² showed superior performance compared to lower or higher current densities. Adsorption of pollutants in biodiesel wastewater was investigated using Chitosan as the adsorbent. Various chitosan concentrations, initial pH of the wastewater and repetitive adsorption stages were investigated. It was discovered that all three operating conditions greatly affect the performance of the process. The three consecutive adsorption stages using a chitosan concentration of 4.5 g/L at a pH of 2 resulted in the highest pollutant removal. It was observed that the integrated treatment process could reduce COD, BOD and FOG levels by 94%, 86% and 95% respectively. This concludes that the treated effluent complies with local industrial effluent discharge standards, which could be disposed safely without further treatment.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-12-10T14:24:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015-05-27. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-12-10T14:31:06Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000853230.pdf: 3862834 bytes, checksum: f0f3b2d756bc529110b1b56a059fd39b (MD5) / Diante da complexidade e dos desafios que envolvem a recuperação de materiais recicláveis dos resíduos sólidos urbanos, especialmente o papel/papelão, este trabalho tem por objetivo investigar como essa atividade se desenvolve no contexto brasileiro. Para tanto, a pesquisa explora uma usina de triagem de lixo operada por uma cooperativa de catadores em Lençóis Paulista, Estado de São Paulo, onde se desenvolve tal atividade, com o intuito de verificar se a prática promove benefícios ambientais, sociais e/ou econômicos e se o papel/papelão ali recuperado está apto para reciclagem. Este estudo busca conhecer o processo de recuperação empregado e a razão de utilizá-lo; a representatividade do papel/papelão sobre a massa total dos resíduos triados e sobre os demais materiais recuperados; os tipos de papel/papelão mais recuperados e os critérios usados nessa classificação; as características físicas e químicas gerais do papel/papelão resultante do processo utilizado. O método adotado foi o estudo de caso exploratório e as técnicas de investigação foram: levantamento de dados, análise de arquivos, entrevistas, observação, registro fotográfico, artefato físico e análise laboratorial. Verificou-se que o papel/papelão foi o material mais recuperado, em peso, e o segundo que mais gerou renda para a cooperativa de catadores no período analisado. No entanto, contatou-se que o processo empregado na recuperação é extremamente rudimentar, insalubre e ineficiente e que o papel/papelão extraído do lixo é visivelmente sujo e úmido. Concluiu-se que a atividade promove benefícios sociais, proporcionando trabalho e renda para uma população marginalizada; contribui para a diminuição de alguns gastos públicos municipais, desde que operada pela cooperativa de catadores; mas deixa dúvidas sobre a efetividade dos benefícios ambientais. Nas condições em que foram ... / Given the complexity and challenges involving the recovery of recyclable materials from urban solid waste, especially paper/cardboard, this research aims to investigate how this activity develops in the Brazilian context. Therefore, the research explores a garbage sorting plant operated by a cooperative of waste pickers in Lençóis Paulista, State of São Paulo, where it develops such activity, in order to verify if the practice promotes environmental, social, and/or economic benefits, and if the paper/cardboard recovered is fit for recycling. This study seeks to understand the recovery process employed and the reason for using it; the representativeness of the paper/cardboard on the total mass of sorted waste and on the other recovered materials; types of paper/cardboard mostly recovered and the criteria used in this classification; general physical and chemical characteristics of paper/cardboard resulting from the process used. The method adopted was the exploratory study case and the investigation techniques used were: data collection, analysis files, interviews, observation, photographic records, physical artifact and laboratory analysis. It was found that the paper/cardboard was the most recovered material by weight, and the second that generated the most income for the cooperative pickers in the period analyzed. However, it was found that the process used in the recovery is extremely rudimentary, unhealthy and inefficient, and that the paper/cardboard extracted from waste is visibly dirty and damp. It was concluded that the activity promotes social benefits, providing jobs and income for a marginalized population; it contributes to the reduction of some municipal public spending, since it operated by the cooperative pickers; but leaves questions about the effectiveness of environmental benefits. In those observed conditions, it is unlikely that the recovered paper can be utilized as raw materia ...