Unprecedented seminar in the state of Rio discussed the Recycling Incentive Law

On August 14, the CSN Foundation, CSN, and the Volta Redonda City Hall held the Seminar on the Recycling Incentive Law: Challenges and Opportunities, bringing together representatives from the federal and municipal governments, as well as waste pickers, cooperatives, and professionals from the CSN Group. Held at the Pandiá Calógeras Technical School (ETPC), the national event marked a moment of integration between different sectors to discuss how the LIR can strengthen the recycling chain, generate income, and boost the circular economy in southern Rio de Janeiro state.

The program featured four thematic panels, covering everything from the functioning and application of the law to examples of good practices already adopted in the region. During the meeting, a joint proposal was presented between the Volta Redonda City Hall, the National Secretariat for Solid Waste, CSN, the CSN Foundation, and local cooperatives, providing for technical training, equipment purchases, and modernization of recycling structures.

The general manager of the CSN Foundation, André Leonardi, highlighted the mobilizing nature of the event: “Mobilization is the word that defines this seminar. We managed to bring together the government, companies, and waste pickers around a common purpose: to build powerful recycling projects for the southern region of Rio de Janeiro. The CSN Foundation is open to supporting ready-made projects from third parties, developing joint initiatives with cooperatives, and further strengthening the work that CSN already does in reverse logistics.”

For Liege Castelani, from the National Secretariat for Solid Waste, the meeting represents an important step for the sector: “Recycling changes lives and preserves the environment. Having an event dedicated to LIR makes me very proud, as it democratizes information and brings the law closer to those who can really use it to transform their reality.”

Lawyer Cristiane Olivieri, a specialist in cultural law and the third sector, reinforced the importance of expanding the scope of the law: “It is essential that information about the LIR reaches those on the front line. The law can be a powerful tool for increasing professionalization, improving the structure of cooperatives, and strengthening the entire recycling chain.”

Representing the National Association of Recyclable Material Collectors (ANCAT), reverse logistics director Anderson Nassif highlighted the direct impact of the legislation on the daily lives of cooperatives: “The Recycling Incentive Law is a concrete opportunity to ensure the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of cooperatives, strengthen self-management, and expand the correct disposal of waste. It is essential that waste pickers feel a sense of belonging and are valued as essential professionals in the circular economy.”

The municipal secretary for the environment in Volta Redonda, Jorge Fuede, reaffirmed the government’s commitment:

“We will do everything possible to advance selective collection, strengthen cooperatives, and expand recycling efforts, ensuring benefits for the entire city.”

CSN has consolidated experience in sustainability and environmental actions, with initiatives such as the Reverse Logistics sector at the Presidente Vargas Plant, in operation for 20 years; Revalora CSN, focused on sustainable solid waste management in the Cement area; and CSN Inova, which develops solutions based on Industry 4.0. In 2025, in partnership with the CSN Foundation, the group intends to launch new projects to strengthen recycling in southern Rio de Janeiro state.

The seminar was a milestone for the region, reinforcing the role of the CSN Group as a bridge between government, companies, and society, transforming LIR into an effective tool for local development and social inclusion.