Resíduos sólidos urbanos: interfaces entre química, meio ambiente e educação

Abstract

The growing generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) represents one of the greatest environmental Challenger of the 21st century, requiring integrated solutions across science, technology, and education. This study aims to analyze the application of Chemistry in MSW treatment, as well as its relevance in fostering critical environmental awareness through Education. The research is qualitative and bibliographic in nature, drawing on official documents such as the National Solid Waste Policy (Law No. 12.305/2010), reports from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and authors in the fields of chemistry education and sustainability. It was observed that the chemical composition of waste directly influences environmental impacts and the possibilities for MSW reuse. Processes such as incineration, composting, and chemical recycling were discussed from the perspective of sustainable, low-impact practices aligned with the principles of green chemistry. Furthermore, the study found that incorporating environmental education into Chemistry teaching contributes to the contextualization of chemical content in the classroom and to the development of students’ citizenship in relation to the issue of pollution caused by MSW. Therefore, the article shows that the integration of chemistry, environment, and education is essential to promote more conscious MSW management and to prepare individuals capable of critically addressing contemporary environmental challenge