Engineering, Volunteering and Citizenship in the Development of Public Policies for Solid Waste Management in the State of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

This article aims to expose recent work developed within the volunteer project “Engenhando a Cidade” in the area of solid waste management and management in the state of Rio de Janeiro, based on the proposal of law projects at the state level. Formed by engineering students from the “Escola Politécnica da UFRJ”, this work aims to recommend to the government the implementation of actions that cause a great social impact at low cost and with capillarity. Both bills aim to reduce the total amount of waste sent to landfills. The first, aimed at composting organic matter, establishes environmental education routines in schools, and the second aims to provide better conditions for workers in this prolific production chain. In this way, the two legislative proposals synergize with several Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations, while their proposal exercises citizenship and communal spirit in the academic environment.