Recolha seletiva: um balanço de energia e recursos face à dispersão geográfica - estudo caso: concelho de Coimbra e concelho da Figueira da Foz

Abstract

O presente estudo desenvolveu-se através da análise dos dados acerca das ”quantidades de resíduos” provenientes da recolha seletiva dos ecopontos dos concelhos de Coimbra e Figueira da Foz do Distrito de Coimbra e dos “quilómetros percorridos” para a recolha desses resíduos e encaminhamento para a estação de triagem. Os anos em estudo foram de 2009 a 2013 e os dados anteriormente referidos foram obtidos através da consulta do sítio da internet da ERSUC, empresa gestora dos resíduos urbanos. Por outro lado, com a informação recolhida da tipologia dos camiões de recolha e do ano de matrícula, recorreu-se ao programa COPERT IV para obter as quantidades de CO2 emitidos por fluxo de resíduos, tendo conseguido fazer um balanço, recorrendo ao software do site norte americano STOPWASTE. Com esta calculadora, e fazendo as adaptações necessárias à realidade portuguesa, conseguimos calcular a quantidade de CO2 que se deixa de emitir para a atmosfera ao fazer a reciclagem das quantidades de resíduos recolhidos. De referir que foi usada a percentagem de 6% como taxa de refugo, segundo os dados obtidos através da ERSUC. Assim, verificou-se que temos um balanço muito positivo no que respeita às quantidades de CO2 que são poupadas com a reciclagem dos resíduos provenientes dos ecopontos comparativamente com a quantidade de CO2 emitido com a sua recolha e encaminhamento para a estação de triagem. É certo que no presente estudo não foram contemplados os quilómetros percorridos e as consequentes emissões de CO2 com o transporte da estação de triagem para as empresas recicladoras. Por outro lado, o presente estudo permitiu chegar à conclusão que também conseguimos poupar energia ao reciclarmos os materiais recolhidos, quando comparamos com a energia que é gasta com a recolha e transporte destes mesmos materiais. This study was developed by analyzing the data "quantities of waste" from the selective collection of waste recycling bins, for the municipalities of Coimbra and Figueira da Foz the district of Coimbra and "mileage" for such waste and referral to the station screening. The years in the study were from 2009 to 2013 and previously reported data were obtained through the Internet site of the ERSUC, company wich managing municipal waste. On the other hand, with the information collected from the type of truck collection and year of registration, he used the COPERT IV program to obtain the quantities of CO2 emitted with a waste stream and managed to take stock, using the site's software north American STOPWASTE. With this calculator, and making the necessary adjustments to the Portuguese reality, we can calculate the amount of CO2 that is allowed to emit into the atmosphere when you recycle the quantities of waste collected. Note that the percentage of 6% as scrap rate was used, according to data obtained by ERSUC. Thus it was found that we have a very positive with regard to the quantities of CO2 are saved with the recycling of waste from ecopoints compared to the amount of CO2 emitted to the collection and forwarding to the screening station. It is true that in this study the mileage and consequently CO2 emissions with transportation screening station at recycling companies were not included. Furthermore this study has lead to the conclusion that we can also save energy by recycling the collected materials, when compared to the energy that is spent on the collection and transport of these same materials.

KEYWORDS: Municipal waste, selective collection, balance, Coimbra

This study was developed by analyzing the data "quantities of waste" from the selective collection of waste recycling bins, for the municipalities of Coimbra and Figueira da Foz the district of Coimbra and "mileage" for such waste and referral to the station screening. The years in the study were from 2009 to 2013 and previously reported data were obtained through the Internet site of the ERSUC, company wich managing municipal waste. On the other hand, with the information collected from the type of truck collection and year of registration, he used the COPERT IV program to obtain the quantities of CO2 emitted with a waste stream and managed to take stock, using the site's software north American STOPWASTE. With this calculator, and making the necessary adjustments to the Portuguese reality, we can calculate the amount of CO2 that is allowed to emit into the atmosphere when you recycle the quantities of waste collected. Note that the percentage of 4% as scrap rate was used, according to data obtained by ERSUC. Thus it was found that we have a very positive with regard to the quantities of CO2 are saved with the recycling of waste from ecopoints compared to the amount of CO2 emitted to the collection and forwarding to the screening station. It is true that in this study the mileage and consequently CO2 emissions with transportation screening station at recycling companies were not included. Furthermore this study has lead to the conclusion that we can also save energy by recycling the collected materials, when compared to the energy that is spent on the collection and transport of these same materials.