Semas participates in the opening of Belém's first Public Organic Waste Recycling Center
The Secretary of Environment, Climate and Sustainability (Semas) participated, this Friday (21), in the delivery of the Waste Valuation Unit (UVR) of the Cooperative of Recyclable Material Collectors of Terra Firme (Concaves), which houses Brazil's first public composting reactor and marks a significant advance in the management of organic waste in Belém.
The delivery is the result of the collaboration between the City Hall of Belém, Global Methane Hub, Instituto Pólis, Government of Pará, and partners working to strengthen cooperatives and expand the proper disposal of waste in Belém.
Representing Semas, the Deputy Secretary of Environmental Management and Regularity, Rodolpho Zahluth Bastos, highlighted the ongoing support of the state government to collector cooperatives in different municipalities. “Semas has been supporting cooperatives in several municipalities, coordinating a series of essential equipment and structures for this work to advance. I congratulate Concaves for the dedication that facilitates the correct disposal of waste and strengthens the income generation of collectors,” he stated.
The president of Concaves, Débora Baía, celebrated the historic moment for the collectors of Terra Firme and the entire city. In an emotional speech, she recalled the journey of over 20 years of struggle for recognition and infrastructure. “It is such a great joy that moves us. This delivery is the result of much work, perseverance, and partnership. We are presenting Brazil's first composting reactor, showing that Belém has the capacity, yes, and that we are changing this scenario with real work,” she said.
Débora emphasized that the UVR will allow for the proper disposal of organic and recyclable materials, generating income, strengthening the circular economy, and bringing sustainability to the municipality.
The national secretary of Urban Environment and Environmental Quality of MMA, Adalberto Maluf, stated that Belém is becoming a national reference. He emphasized that the protagonism of collectors and the union between municipality, state, federal government, and partner organizations make the project a milestone. “Here we see the beginning of a new phase. Belém will be a national reference with this project, which integrates technology, innovation, and productive inclusion. Composting and support for cooperatives are priorities of the federal government, and today we celebrate a historic advance,” he highlighted.
The mayor of Belém, Igor Normando, stated that the inauguration of the UVR represents an essential part of the strategy to transform the city into an example of sustainability. “We are changing the reality of Belém. The solution goes through cooperatives, environmental education, the commitment of companies, and the responsibility of society. Belém will be a laboratory for a new way of thinking about sustainability,” he affirmed.
With the capacity to process about 300 tons of organic waste, the new UVR represents a concrete advance for Belém as a legacy of COP30, strengthening cooperatives, reducing environmental impacts, and consolidating a model of circular and sustainable economy for the city.
