Gestão de resíduos de equipamentos eletroeletrônicos na Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso - UNEMAT

Abstract

The issue of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) represents a global challenge with socio-environmental, economic, and public health impacts. Managing this waste stream within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) faces obstacles such as rapid technological obsolescence and insufficient awareness.This dissertation addresses the complex challenge of inadequate Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) management in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), with a specific focus on the State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT). It acknowledges the substantial generation of WEEE by these institutions and the resulting environmental and operational impacts stemming from ineffective handling, situating the research within the frameworks of sustainability, environmental responsibility, and relevant legislation, such as Brazil's National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS). The central problem investigated lies in the gap between the growing demand for technology and the absence of robust, coordinated practices for the disposal and treatment of this waste within the university setting. The primary objective of this dissertation is to analyze current WEEE management practices at UNEMAT and, based on this critical analysis, develop a practical manual proposing significant improvements to these operations. To achieve this goal, the research employed a qualitative methodological approach, using a case study as the central strategy to deepen contextual understanding. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured questionnaires and a systematic literature review, enabling a comprehensive investigation and yielding relevant insights into the existing scenario. The findings highlight the identification of critical challenges in WEEE management at UNEMAT, thereby raising awareness about the importance of this issue within the university community. Additionally, the research contributed to influencing the development of internal policies related to WEEE handling, culminating in the creation of a practical manual—the central technical output of the dissertation. In conclusion, this work synthesizes the implications of its findings by offering a concrete tool to enhance electronic waste management, validating the research's relevance for promoting environmental responsibility in HEIs. The developed manual represents a fundamental step toward future research and practical applications, suggesting the expansion of reverse logistics programs and the formulation of more effective guidelines for the sustainable disposal of WEEE, thereby contributing to environmental governance and innovation in university public policies.