Monetary losses caused by the absence of packaging reverse logistics: environmental and economic impacts

Reverse logistics systems are one of the instruments brought by the Brazilian National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), to improve waste management in the country. Packaging materials play a big part on waste generation and present a high recovery potential. In 2017, after 7 years of the PNRS’ issue, the Public Ministry of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul funded a project to valuate the monetary losses due to the absence of packaging reverse logistics systems in the state. Packaging waste generation, collection and final disposal were estimated to assess the monetary losses to the environment and the public coffers. The results show a total monetary environmental loss of $ 2,961,089.50 and a total loss to the public funds of $ 21,779,781.89. Paper and cardboard presented the highest representativeness of all packaging sectors, followed by plastics. The findings show that the monetary losses are high and should be minimized as it impacts the entire local population.