Hazardous Waste in Brazil

Last Updated:	2004-11-08
Report Contents
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Introduction

Brazil currently lacks a comprehensive federal law waste regime, for either hazardous or non-hazardous wastes. Instead, a few federal resolutions from the National Environmental Council (CONAMA) and certain technical standards adopted by reference (e.g., ABNT NBR 10.004) provide the basis for federal regulation of hazardous waste. Additionally, in certain cases, Brazil has resorted to regulating on a waste-by-waste basis. (For information on battery-specific regulations, see the sections on “Take-Back” and “Batteries.”)

A draft National Solid Waste Policy (the “Omnibus Bill”) that would provide a framework for hazardous waste management has been pending in the federal Chamber of Deputies for over ten years (PL 203/91). Additionally, CONAMA continues to work on its own National Waste Policy. Also, although beyond the scope of this report, it should be noted that many Brazilian states, and even some municipalities, have developed their own hazardous waste regulations.