Análise de oportunidades de melhorias na gestão de resíduos em uma propriedade rural de produção de leite

Abstract

The primary production processes gain increasing prominence due to the gradual population increase. As a result, there is an increase in waste generated in production processes which, when not properly treated, can cause environmental, social and economic damage to the surrounding society. As it is inserted in this scenario, the productive activity of milk was the focus of this study, in which it is intended to analyze the best alternatives for waste management in a rural property producing milk located in a small town in the northwest of Rio Grande do Sul. From this, the objective is to analyze the waste management of a dairy farm and propose alternatives for improvements in order to reduce, reuse and recycle the waste generated. To comply with its proposal, the research carried out is of an applied nature, with an exploratory objective and a qualitative approach through the elaboration of a case study. The observation and analysis of reality took place through informal interviews and on-site visits, making it possible to map the process and analyze the critical points. Among activities of the production process and adjacent activities, 16 (sixteen) different types of waste were identified, of which 7 (seven) are classified as “Non-hazardous” and 9 (nine) as “Hazardous”. With this, it was possible to develop and propose alternatives for improvements in the management of all waste produced, focusing on the order of non-generation, reduction, reuse, recycling and proper disposal. Finally, 6 (six) action plans were also proposed to assist in the implementation of improvements: Environmental awareness program; Standardization of processes; Creating a compost bin; Use of Biodigester; Installation of selective collection bins; and follow-up audits. In this way, it is concluded that the present study brings contributions to the academic environment and to the rural business environment, by suggesting alternatives for improving the management of waste from milk production and, consequently, contributing to the environment and society.