AVALIAÇÃO DE RISCO AMBIENTAL EM LIXÕES A CÉU ABERTO: PERSPECTIVAS E DESAFIOS PARA A GESTÃO SUSTENTÁVEL DE RESÍDUOS SÓLIDOS

Abstract

This article addresses the issue of irregular open waste disposal sites, still common in many small and medium-sized Brazilian municipalities. These sites represent an inadequate form of municipal solid waste disposal, generating severe impacts on the environment and public health, such as soil, surface water, and groundwater contamination, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. The main objective of this research is to analyze the environmental risks associated with these dumpsites, identifying their main consequences and proposing sustainable alternatives for solid waste management. The methodology adopted consisted of a systematic literature review, including scientific studies, legislation, and technical documents published over the last decade, available in databases such as Google Scholar, SciELO, and CAPES. Data were categorized and analyzed using content analysis techniques. The results indicate that dumpsites are significant sources of leachate and heavy metals, negatively affecting physical environments and posing social risks by exposing vulnerable communities and waste pickers to unhealthy conditions. The study also highlighted the insufficient implementation of the National Solid Waste Policy (Law No. 12.305/2010) and the difficulties municipalities face in meeting the legal deadlines for closing dumpsites. The findings emphasize the importance of Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) as a key tool to guide technical and policy decisions in solid waste management, enabling the identification of critical areas and the prioritization of preventive and corrective actions. It is recommended to adopt integrated public policies focused on environmental education, circular economy, waste picker inclusion, and investments in adequate infrastructure, such as sanitary landfills and selective collection systems.