Avaliação técnica, ambiental e econômica do uso do jigue a ar na reciclagem do resíduo da construção e demolição (RCD) brasileiro

Os resíduos de construção e demolição (RCD) são gerados em grandes quantidades em todo o mundo. No Brasil, este resíduo supera a metade da geração do resíduo sólido urbano (RSU). Estudos acadêmicos evidenciam a possibilidade de reuso de agregados reciclados em substituição aos agregados naturais na produção de concretos. Há, entretanto, a necessidade da melhoria da qualidade dos agregados reciclados para ampliar sua aceitação pelo setor da Construção Civil. Assim, um novo paradigma surge na reciclagem do RCD: os métodos de beneficiamento. Alguns autores avaliam processos de beneficiamento adicionais aos processos unitários de reciclagem do RCD no Brasil. Entretanto, existe uma carência de estudos que considerem o beneficiamento de resíduos com características do gerado no Brasil através do uso do jigue a ar, equipamento de beneficiamento por diferenças de densidade. A legislação brasileira exige práticas que conciliem viabilidade econômica e redução dos impactos ambientais. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a viabilidade técnica, ambiental e econômica do uso do jigue a ar no beneficiamento gravimétrico dos agregados graúdos de RCD com características do gerado no Brasil. Para tal, se fez necessário: (i) Gerar e caracterizar RCD com características do gerado no Brasil; (ii) Avaliar a viabilidade técnica do beneficiamento com o uso do jigue a ar; (iii) Avaliar os impactos ambientais e a viabilidade econômica do conjunto de processos unitários utilizados atualmente para a reciclagem do RCD (Cenário Atual) e de um Cenário Proposto, onde é adicionado o uso do jigue a ar; (iv) Comparar a produção de agregados reciclados dos cenários de Reciclagem Atual e Proposto com os agregados graúdos naturais em um contexto de Intensidade de Impactos (relação impacto ambiental/custo). Os resultados confirmam a possibilidade de uso do jigue a ar na melhoria da qualidade de agregados graúdos reciclados, alcançando concentração de agregados de concreto na camada inferior do equipamento de 63%. Os parâmetros operacionais para estes resultados são: Taxa de expansão de 100%; Frequência de 100 rpm; e Tempo de Operação de 120 segundos. Os resultados demonstram que o jigue a ar não altera características dos agregados graúdos reciclados relevantes ao uso na construção civil. Os impactos ambientais da Reciclagem Proposta (com jigue a ar) são inferiores aos da Reciclagem Atual e da produção do agregado graúdo natural, no contexto de Porto Alegre-RS, para a maioria dos indicadores ambientais avaliados. Entretanto, o transporte de RCD é o principal responsável pelos impactos adversos dos indicadores Mudanças Climáticas, Depleção de Recursos Abióticos – combustíveis fósseis e Depleção da Camada de Ozônio, com contribuições que superam 90% dos indicadores. No Cenário Proposto, alguns dos indicadores ambientais são mais atrativos que os do Agregado Graúdo Natural, ainda que os locais de entrega do agregado produzido estejam a até 300 km de distância. Porém, os cenários de reciclagem avaliados (Atual e Proposto) somente atingem indicadores econômicos atrativos com soluções alternativas, como a redução de impostos, minimização/exclusão de custos de transporte ou concessão dos equipamentos da planta de reciclagem. Somente com a exclusão dos custos de transporte do RCD, são alcançados TIR e Payback adequados ao tipo de atividade. A análise de Intensidade de Impactos inicial, impacto ambiental/custos unitário, suavisa os resultados pouco atrativos dos demais indicadores econômicos. Logo, conclui-se mais adequado o uso da relação impacto ambiental/TIR ou Payback para o alcance de resultados fidedignos de Intensidade de Impactos da atividade.Construction and demolition waste (CDW) are generated in large quantities worldwide. In Brazil, this waste exceeds half the generation of municipal solid waste (MSW). Academic studies present the reuse of recycled aggregates to replace natural aggregates in concrete production. However, improving recycled aggregates quality is needed to enhance its acceptance by the Civil Construction sector. Thus, a new paradigm emerges in the recycling of CDW: the processing methods. Some authors have assessed additional processes to recycle CDW in Brazil. However, there is a lack of studies that consider Brazilian residues beneficiation through the use of air jigs, a sorting equipment that works through density differences. Brazilian law requires practices that conciliate economic viability and reduced environmental impacts. The objective of this study is to analyse the technical, environmental and economic feasibility of using air jig in the gravimetric processing of recycled coarse aggregates with characteristics of CDW generated in Brazil. For this, it was necessary to: (i) Generate and characterize a CDW with similar characteristic of those generated in Brazil; (ii) Evaluate the technical feasibility of air jig sorting process; (iii) Assess the environmental impacts and economic viability of the set of unit processes currently used for recycling the CDW (Current Scenario) and a Proposed Scenario, where the use of air jigs is added; (iv) Compare the production of recycled aggregates from the Current and Proposed Scenarios with natural coarse aggregates in a context of Impact Intensity (environmental impact / cost ratio). The results confirm the possibility of using air jig to improve the quality of recycled coarse aggregates, reaching concrete aggregates concentration of 63% in the lower layer of the equipment. The operational parameters for these results are: Expansion rate of 100%; Frequency of 100 rpm; and 120-second operating time. Results show that air jigs do not alter the characteristics of the recycled coarse aggregates relevant to use in civil construction. The environmental impacts of the Proposed Recycling (with air jigs) are lower than those from Current Recycling and from the production of natural coarse aggregate (NCA), in the city of Porto Alegre-RS context, for most of the evaluated environmental indicators. However, CDW transport is the main responsible for the adverse impacts of the indicators Climate Change, Depletion of Abiotic Resources - fossil fuels and Depletion of the Ozone Layer, with contributions that exceed 90% of the impacts. In the Proposed Scenario, some of the environmental indicators are more attractive than the NCA, even though the delivery places of produced aggregate are up to 300 km away. Still, the evaluated recycling scenarios (Current and Proposed) only reach attractive economic indicators with alternative solutions, such as tax reduction, minimization/exclusion of transportation costs or concession of equipment at the recycling plant. Only with the exclusion of transportation costs, Internal Rate Return (IRR) and Payback appropriate values are achieved. The initial Impact Intensity analysis, environmental impact/unit costs, smooths others economic indicators unattractive results. Therefore, the use of the environmental impact/IRR or Payback ratio is more appropriate to achieve reliable results of the activity Impact Intensity

Premises for eco-efficiency analysis on construction and demolition waste recycling

The construction industry is associated with significative impacts such a consumption of natural resources and waste generation. Eco-efficiency is an instrument for sustainable analysis which indicates the relation between environmental costs and impacts. While the most environmental method used is the lifecycle assessment (LCA), standardized by ISO 14040, the economic indicator should be selected according to the stakeholder. Total cost, Unit Cost, Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) are some of the economic indicators used in the economic analysis of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) recycling, however, the search for literature regarding the Eco-efficiency analysis shows a tendency to use the total cost regardless of its objective. In this sense, the objective of this paper is to propose the main premises to be considered in the selection of the economic indicator and in the normalization of the analysis of the CDW recycling Eco-efficiency index results. The search method adopted was comprised for three steps: Systematic review of literature; Analysis and comparison of Eco-efficiency indicators (including economic and environmental inputs); Discussion about the main assumptions in the CDW recycling Eco-efficiency analysis. 14 articles were identified in the Science Direct and Springer platforms. This paper provides information to propose premises to the Eco-efficiency analysis on CDW recycling. As a result, was defined a standard Eco-efficiency analysis according the objective: assessment of the cost to minimizing impacts, a simple comparison between scenarios or economic and environmental viability. The first two objectives refer to the input data variation and the scenarios evaluated, respectively. The third objective needs to compare the results with the current scenario, the final disposal and established market material that recycled aggregate can replace. Using the simplified flowchart proposed for each CDW recycling Eco-efficiency analysis objective will allow to standardize studies of this aspect, thus enabling more credible, replicable and comparable development

Life Cycle Assessment applied to construction and demolition waste treatment : proposal of a Brazilian scenario

Important amounts of construction and demolition wastes (CDW) are currently generated in several countries. Considering the correct management of this kind of residue, and the search for its noblest use, several studies have focused on the environmental potential impacts from CDW management. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is often used to investigate the potential environmental impacts over the life cycle of a product, thus becoming an important tool to support decision-making. CDW recycling process produces coarse, fine and mix aggregate as outputs, characterizing a multifunctional process. But, how CDW’s LCA should be run, considering a circular and more sustainable built environment? Thus, the objective of this work is to explore the basic premises in proposing a product system for the CDW recycling process in Brazil. For this, data available in the literature on the recycling process in Brazil and in other countries support the definition of the product system. The complexity of this management option is explored, considering how the use of the recycled materials interfere in the scope, objective, unit function and other modelling choices, as well as reliability of CDW studies. Finally, the datasets provided by Ecoinvent are examined in order to promote debate on data adaptation, followed by remarks on the most appropriate choices on allocation in the CDW LCA. The cut-off system modelling associated with the new perspective on the avoided burden approach is concluded by the authors to be the most suitable for this waste recycling multifunctional processes. Understanding system models is key. When no inventory adaptation is intended, available inventory datasets are more advisable to be used when performing end of life scenarios only, once burdens differ according to countries management scenarios, as well as life cycle inventory approaches

Water hyacinth composting as a waste management strategy : a systematic review

Macrophytes proliferation problem is worldwide know resulting in impacts on natural environment, human health and economic activities. These organisms have several parameters resilience, which ensures high rate of reproduction and proliferation, hindering their management. As a management difficulty consequence, however, solutions are sought to disposal this large amount of macrophytes, such as composting and fertilizer production. Thus, this study aims to conduct a systematic literature review in Scientific Platforms Science Direct and Scopus, identifying current status of macrophytes composting process, main methods, analyses and results obtained, in order to contribute in innovation studies to convert this type of weed into fertilizer. The general words source in titles, summary, or keywords specified by author were “Macrophyte” or “water hyacinth” and “compost” or “composting”. Only articles dating from the last 20 years were maintained. Macrophyte composting process interest is addressed around the world because of their potential environmental, economic and social impacts, mainly for Eichhornia crassipes. Natural aeration predominates (56%) with composting time equal to or less than 60 days. Humidity control is essential (around 60%) like macrophytes dehydration prior to the composting process beginning. The significant quantity cellulose requires previous comminution and/or the cellulose-degrading inoculants addition. Composting process operational parameters are not standardized. Micro and macro nutrients richness can be considered for next evolutionary composting studies stage for this plant type, either by organic matter sources characteristics and/or mineral sources addition

Cost assessment of the Brazilian construction and demolition waste recycling plant : a case study of Porto Alegre

The construction activities generate representative amount of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) around the world. Brazilian City Halls collected about 45 million tons/year. CDW recycling plants needs to be economically viable. The characteristics of recycling plants and future expectations vary around the world. Thus, the cost analysis needs to be adapted to the local reality and future scenarios should be evaluated. In this context, the objective of this paper is to evaluate the CDW recycling plant costs in Brazil. Two scenarios are tested, actual Scenario (1) and future Scenario (2), with air jig. Four steps are performed: literature review, inventory of the inputs, economic indicators analysis, and sensitivity analysis of alternative solutions. The results suggest that both scenarios do not reach positive economic indicators (IRR, NPV and Payback). The Fixed Costs are the main influence on the results, mainly due to the acquisition of Equipment. The Variable Costs represent, in Scenario 1 and 2, 18% and 10% of their Total Fixed Costs, respectively. Scenario 1, however, has possible conversion into positive IRR easier than for Scenario 2, once the Air Jig influence significantly in the increment of costs. A Government subsidy tested would not make the CDW Recycling Scenarios economically attractive. Only Scenario 1 can achieve positive results, however without the acquisition costs of Land, Equipment and Vehicles. Counterparts with the City Hall, in exchange for the supply of these inputs, would not influence the positive results. The use of new technologies maybe will be possible after the recycled aggregate market is consolidated in Brazil

Sample design for Brazilian construction and demolition waste

Resíduos da Construção e Demolição (CDW) estão entre os mais gerados em vários países, resultando em uma preocupação com este tipo de resíduo. Vários estudos são realizados com o CDW, muitos deles com o objetivo de avaliar a realidade técnica, econômica, social e ambiental de uma região, cidade ou país. Para este fim, é importante aplicar métodos estatísticos que apresentem representatividade da amostra. O trabalho tem como objetivo identificar um conjunto de amostras representativas de RCD brasileiro, para estudos que visam sua aplicação com substituição do agregado natural pelo reciclado. Foi utilizado o projeto fatorial 2k em conjunto com a divisão de materiais de interesse em quartis. Três conjuntos de amostras foram definidos, fixando dois tipos de materiais, de acordo com o planejamento fatorial 2k, seguido da definição dos terceiros valores. Como resultado, foi possível identificar a aplicabilidade da união dos métodos estatísticos, o que resultou em 16 amostras. Os três conjuntos de amostras avaliadas puderam ser aplicados. No entanto, a determinação dos valores de argamassa e concreto, seguida da determinação dos valores da cerâmica foi a mais adequada.Waste from Construction and Demolition (CDW) are among the most generated in several countries resulting in an emerging concern with this kind of waste. Thus, several studies are conducted with the CDW, many of them aimed to evaluate the technical, economic, social and environmental reality of a region, city or country. To this end, it is important to apply statistical methods that achieve both sample sufficiency and representativeness. Hence, the present work aims to identify a set of samples representative of the Brazilian CDW, mainly for studies aimed at its application as a large aggregate in substitution to the natural aggregate. The 2k factorial project was used in conjunction with the division of materials of interest in the RCC in quartiles. Three sets of samples were defined, fixing two types of materials, according to the factorial design 2k, followed by the definition of the third values. As a result, it was possible to identify the applicability of the union of the statistical methods, which resulted in 16 samples. The three sets of samples evaluated were able to be applied. However, the determination of the mortar and concrete values, followed by the determination of the values of Ceramics (CA3) was more adequate

Characterization of demolished concretes with three different strengths for recycling as coarse aggregate

This paper presents a physical characterization for the recycling into new concretes of three comminuted concretes: C16/20 (“ordinary concrete”), C50/60 (“high strength concrete”), and C70/85 (“very high strength concrete”). The top size of the crushed concretes was 19.1 mm and the size range was 4.75 to 19.1 mm. The characterization was carried out with coarse aggregate liberation, to be prepared and concentrated in a gravity concentration process. The density distribution of the coarse aggregate, cement paste, and sand was carried out in different size ranges (4.75/19.1 mm; 4.75/8.0 mm; 8.0/12.5 mm; and 12.5/19.1 mm) for the three concretes studied. The form factor of the samples, as well as the porosity determination of particles in different density ranges, are presented. The obtained results indicate that the coarse aggregate liberation was more intensive for the low resistance concrete (C16/20), but a reasonable coarse aggregate recovery is possible for all concretes

ASTM D5231 aplicada à caracterização da composição gravimétrica dos resíduos sólidos urbanos : estudo de caso : Novo Hamburgo, RS

O presente trabalho avaliou a composição gravimétrica dos resíduos sólidos urbanos (RSU) do município de Novo Hamburgo-RS. Foram realizadas 10 amostragens de diferentes setores de coleta ao longo dos meses de março e abril de 2014. Juntamente com a análise da composição gravimétrica foi avaliada a densidade dos RSU de Novo Hamburgo. No mesmo período foram realizadas amostragens da saída das esteiras de triagem da central de transbordo do município, com um total de 5 amostras. Os procedimentos amostrais seguiram a norma americana ASTM D5231/2008. A composição gravimétrica obtida para os RSU corresponde em: 57,13% matéria orgânica; 14,82% plástico; 12,69% papel; 4,34 têxtil; 1,62% metais ferrosos; 0,69% borracha; 0,49% metais não ferrosos; 0,40% couro; 0,35% madeira e 3,86% outros. O valor médio para a densidade do RSU encontrado foi de 173 kg/m³. Alguns resíduos encontrados como eletroeletrônicos, pilhas e baterias, embalagens contaminadas com óleo, alguns resíduos sólidos industriais (RSI) e outros, não deveriam ser destinados junto aos RSU. A maior fração da matéria orgânica era esperada visto que este comportamento é identificado na composição gravimétrica média dos RSU do Brasil. Os resultados demonstram um potencial para implantação do processo de compostagem pelo alto potencial de resíduos orgânicos, sendo necessário mais análises para garantir a qualidade e aplicabilidade do composto. O descarte inadequado de resíduos orgânicos e recicláveis juntos inviabiliza a reciclagem, aumentando as quantidades destinadas ao aterro sanitário. A composição gravimétrica obtida para a saída das esteiras de triagem corresponde em: 81,60% matéria orgânica; 8,63% plástico; 2,89% papel; 1,66 têxtil; 0,58% borracha; 0,52% metais ferrosos; 0,37% metais não ferrosos; 0,35% madeira; 0,23% couro e 1,81% outros. Foi identificada uma grande presença de materiais recicláveis na saída das esteiras de triagem. Ações foram propostas para aumentar a eficiência do processo de triagem e melhorar o aproveitamento dos recicláveis. Políticas públicas foram sugeridas visando à melhoria dos processos de gestão dos RSU do município. Os resultados obtidos são representativos para o período avaliado, sendo passíveis de alteração quando de amostragem em outros períodos.The purpose of this paper is evaluate the gravimetric composition of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) of Novo Hamburgo - RS. Ten samples were collected in different areas between March to April 2014 according to ASTM D5231/2008. Simultaneously were evaluated the MSW density and the materials collection after sorting followed the ASTM D5231/2008. The gravimetric composition of MSW consists in 57,13% of organic matter; 14,82% of plastic; 12,69% of paper; 4,34% of textile; 1,62% of ferrous metals; 0,69% of rubber; 0,49% of noun ferrous metals; 0,40% of leather; 0,35% of wood and 3,86% of others. The MSW density were 173 kg/m³. Some residues as electronics, batteries, oil contaminated packaging and some industrial solid waste should not be disposed as MSW. A larger fraction of organic matter was expected as shown in the most Brazilian analyzed papers since that behavior is known about the gravimetric average composition of MSW in Brazil. The results demonstrate the potential implementation of the composting process considering the amount of organics, requiring further analysis to ensure the quality and applicability of the produced compounds. The inappropriate disposal of organic matter and recyclables together turn unfeasible the recycling. The gravimetric composition of material after sorting consists in: 81,60% of organic matter; 8,63% of plastic; 2,89% of paper; 1,66 of textile; 0,58% of rubber; 0,52% of ferrous metals; 0,37% of non ferrous metals; 0,35% of wood; 0,23% of leather e 1,81% of others. Amounts of recyclables was identified after sorting and based on this evidence actions were proposed to increase the sorting process efficiency and improve the recycling. Public policies were recommended to enhance the MSW management. The results are representative considering this measuring period, which could change if realized in another periods

Avaliação técnica, ambiental e econômica do uso do jigue a ar na reciclagem do resíduo da construção e demolição (RCD) brasileiro

Os resíduos de construção e demolição (RCD) são gerados em grandes quantidades em todo o mundo. No Brasil, este resíduo supera a metade da geração do resíduo sólido urbano (RSU). Estudos acadêmicos evidenciam a possibilidade de reuso de agregados reciclados em substituição aos agregados naturais na produção de concretos. Há, entretanto, a necessidade da melhoria da qualidade dos agregados reciclados para ampliar sua aceitação pelo setor da Construção Civil. Assim, um novo paradigma surge na reciclagem do RCD: os métodos de beneficiamento. Alguns autores avaliam processos de beneficiamento adicionais aos processos unitários de reciclagem do RCD no Brasil. Entretanto, existe uma carência de estudos que considerem o beneficiamento de resíduos com características do gerado no Brasil através do uso do jigue a ar, equipamento de beneficiamento por diferenças de densidade. A legislação brasileira exige práticas que conciliem viabilidade econômica e redução dos impactos ambientais. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a viabilidade técnica, ambiental e econômica do uso do jigue a ar no beneficiamento gravimétrico dos agregados graúdos de RCD com características do gerado no Brasil. Para tal, se fez necessário: (i) Gerar e caracterizar RCD com características do gerado no Brasil; (ii) Avaliar a viabilidade técnica do beneficiamento com o uso do jigue a ar; (iii) Avaliar os impactos ambientais e a viabilidade econômica do conjunto de processos unitários utilizados atualmente para a reciclagem do RCD (Cenário Atual) e de um Cenário Proposto, onde é adicionado o uso do jigue a ar; (iv) Comparar a produção de agregados reciclados dos cenários de Reciclagem Atual e Proposto com os agregados graúdos naturais em um contexto de Intensidade de Impactos (relação impacto ambiental/custo). Os resultados confirmam a possibilidade de uso do jigue a ar na melhoria da qualidade de agregados graúdos reciclados, alcançando concentração de agregados de concreto na camada inferior do equipamento de 63%. Os parâmetros operacionais para estes resultados são: Taxa de expansão de 100%; Frequência de 100 rpm; e Tempo de Operação de 120 segundos. Os resultados demonstram que o jigue a ar não altera características dos agregados graúdos reciclados relevantes ao uso na construção civil. Os impactos ambientais da Reciclagem Proposta (com jigue a ar) são inferiores aos da Reciclagem Atual e da produção do agregado graúdo natural, no contexto de Porto Alegre-RS, para a maioria dos indicadores ambientais avaliados. Entretanto, o transporte de RCD é o principal responsável pelos impactos adversos dos indicadores Mudanças Climáticas, Depleção de Recursos Abióticos – combustíveis fósseis e Depleção da Camada de Ozônio, com contribuições que superam 90% dos indicadores. No Cenário Proposto, alguns dos indicadores ambientais são mais atrativos que os do Agregado Graúdo Natural, ainda que os locais de entrega do agregado produzido estejam a até 300 km de distância. Porém, os cenários de reciclagem avaliados (Atual e Proposto) somente atingem indicadores econômicos atrativos com soluções alternativas, como a redução de impostos, minimização/exclusão de custos de transporte ou concessão dos equipamentos da planta de reciclagem. Somente com a exclusão dos custos de transporte do RCD, são alcançados TIR e Payback adequados ao tipo de atividade. A análise de Intensidade de Impactos inicial, impacto ambiental/custos unitário, suavisa os resultados pouco atrativos dos demais indicadores econômicos. Logo, conclui-se mais adequado o uso da relação impacto ambiental/TIR ou Payback para o alcance de resultados fidedignos de Intensidade de Impactos da atividade.Construction and demolition waste (CDW) are generated in large quantities worldwide. In Brazil, this waste exceeds half the generation of municipal solid waste (MSW). Academic studies present the reuse of recycled aggregates to replace natural aggregates in concrete production. However, improving recycled aggregates quality is needed to enhance its acceptance by the Civil Construction sector. Thus, a new paradigm emerges in the recycling of CDW: the processing methods. Some authors have assessed additional processes to recycle CDW in Brazil. However, there is a lack of studies that consider Brazilian residues beneficiation through the use of air jigs, a sorting equipment that works through density differences. Brazilian law requires practices that conciliate economic viability and reduced environmental impacts. The objective of this study is to analyse the technical, environmental and economic feasibility of using air jig in the gravimetric processing of recycled coarse aggregates with characteristics of CDW generated in Brazil. For this, it was necessary to: (i) Generate and characterize a CDW with similar characteristic of those generated in Brazil; (ii) Evaluate the technical feasibility of air jig sorting process; (iii) Assess the environmental impacts and economic viability of the set of unit processes currently used for recycling the CDW (Current Scenario) and a Proposed Scenario, where the use of air jigs is added; (iv) Compare the production of recycled aggregates from the Current and Proposed Scenarios with natural coarse aggregates in a context of Impact Intensity (environmental impact / cost ratio). The results confirm the possibility of using air jig to improve the quality of recycled coarse aggregates, reaching concrete aggregates concentration of 63% in the lower layer of the equipment. The operational parameters for these results are: Expansion rate of 100%; Frequency of 100 rpm; and 120-second operating time. Results show that air jigs do not alter the characteristics of the recycled coarse aggregates relevant to use in civil construction. The environmental impacts of the Proposed Recycling (with air jigs) are lower than those from Current Recycling and from the production of natural coarse aggregate (NCA), in the city of Porto Alegre-RS context, for most of the evaluated environmental indicators. However, CDW transport is the main responsible for the adverse impacts of the indicators Climate Change, Depletion of Abiotic Resources - fossil fuels and Depletion of the Ozone Layer, with contributions that exceed 90% of the impacts. In the Proposed Scenario, some of the environmental indicators are more attractive than the NCA, even though the delivery places of produced aggregate are up to 300 km away. Still, the evaluated recycling scenarios (Current and Proposed) only reach attractive economic indicators with alternative solutions, such as tax reduction, minimization/exclusion of transportation costs or concession of equipment at the recycling plant. Only with the exclusion of transportation costs, Internal Rate Return (IRR) and Payback appropriate values are achieved. The initial Impact Intensity analysis, environmental impact/unit costs, smooths others economic indicators unattractive results. Therefore, the use of the environmental impact/IRR or Payback ratio is more appropriate to achieve reliable results of the activity Impact Intensity