Destino dos resíduos pecuários oriundos de propriedades rurais nos municípios do Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

The theme of environmental quality has become debated in every way, due to increasing environmental degradation and the pursuit of sustainability by the several sectors of agriculture is an increasingly frequent practice among national production chains. The generation of solid waste in livestock farms is one of the major problems faced by farmers. In addition, disposal of hazardous waste (e.g., medical or animal health care products) is a major concern, given the risk of environmental contamination and the potential to affect human and animal health. This study aimed to investigate the main forms of waste disposal in livestock farms in Rio Grande do Sul state. Information was collected through the application of questionnaires with face to face interview to 102 farmers from fifty municipalities in the state. One hundred and two agriculturalists were interviewed covering. More than 80% of farmers reported inadequate disposal of inorganic residues of medical or animal health products. In addition, there was an overall lack of guidance to producers on these waste considered to be hazardous. Thus, the implementation of reverse logistics for veterinary waste management is essential, given the potential benefits for environmental protection and, also by public health reasons.