EVALUATION OF THE MANAGEMENT OF DANGEROUS WASTE IN THE AGRICULTURAL DEFENSIVE INDUSTRY

Abstract

Pesticides potentially cause environmental impacts. To produce them in an environmentally friendly way, there is a need to adopt environmental practices. This article assesses the Environmental Management System (EMS) of hazardous waste, adopted by a crop protection industry. The study was conducted in an industry with ISO 14001. The methodology was qualitative, watching reality, normative and bibliographic recommendations. Technical visits, interviews with staff and document reviews of the year 2013 were realized. It was observed that the environmental practices adopted by the company aim to meet the conditions of the environmental license and international certifications. The results indicate that the largest amount of hazardous waste was from contaminated solvents; the acquisition of equipment and technology for their treatment, when water-based, brought benefits in the management and considerable savings. However, it was observed that it is possible to improve the production process and management to achieve a cleaner production. It was concluded that the main factors for the adoption of an effective EMS vie care legislation, increasing market competitiveness and reducing costs.