Petrópolis waste collection failures increase disaster risks

A technical analysis by the Specialized Technical Support Group (GATE) of the Rio de Janeiro State Public Prosecutor's Office (MPRJ) has warned that failures in waste collection in Petrópolis are increasing urban vulnerability to disasters. The report indicates that accumulated waste can obstruct drainage systems, worsening floods, flash floods, and inundations, while also contributing to slope instability and landslides.

The findings are part of a Public Civil Action filed by the MPRJ against the Petrópolis Municipal Development Company (Comdep) and the company Força Ambiental Ltda. The legal action addresses service failures and the associated risks during the rainy season, including potential environmental contamination and public health impacts. Technical expert Maria José Saroldi noted a technical correlation between collection deficiencies and increased disaster risks in areas already susceptible to such events.