The proposal to install a waste incinerator in the Perus neighborhood, located in the northern zone of São Paulo, has sparked strong reactions from residents during a public hearing held last week. The meeting was marked by protests, accusations of artificial mobilization of participants, and criticisms of the chosen site—an area near Anhanguera Park, where the old Bandeirantes landfill operated until it was decommissioned about two decades ago. The community fears environmental impacts and questions the transparency of the process.
According to residents and studies cited in the debate, waste incineration can generate toxic pollutants, such as fine particles harmful to health, and presents high energy costs compared to alternatives like solar energy. Another point raised is that this model relies on the constant burning of waste, which could discourage more sustainable policies, such as recycling and biodigestion, considered essential for waste reduction.
The controversy is also echoed in São Mateus, in the eastern zone of the city, where similar plans include the removal of thousands of trees and potential significant socio-environmental impacts. The debate over incineration is occurring on a global scale, with several countries restricting or banning this practice due to its polluting potential. Critics also point out that these projects are often directed towards peripheral areas inhabited by vulnerable populations, which reinforces the residents’ mobilization against the projects.
City for All
The column City for All, with Professor Raquel Rolnik, airs biweekly on Thursdays at 8:30 AM on Rádio USP (São Paulo 93.7; Ribeirão Preto 107.9) and also on YouTube, produced by Rádio USP, Jornal da USP, and TV USP.
Source: Jornal da USP.
Original published at O Cafezinho.