Waste management challenges impact sanitation and public health in Brazil

Improper waste disposal and irregular sewage connections are causing significant sanitation issues in various Brazilian regions. In residential condominiums, inadequate disposal of food scraps, plastics, and glass can lead to pest infestations, foul odors, and plumbing blockages, compromising resident health and communal living.

In Mato Grosso do Sul, the concessionaire Ambiental MS Pantanal reports that improper waste in pipes and illegal rainwater connections to sewage networks are causing blockages and overflows. These incidents increase the risk of soil and water contamination, particularly during heavy rains. Between January and early November, the company performed approximately 4,853 preventive maintenance tasks and over 11,300 network unblockings across 68 municipalities. The cities of Três Lagoas, Dourados, and Bonito recorded the highest number of service calls.