Circular economy as an innovation against pollution of the Tietê and Pinheiros rivers

Abstract

This study examines the severe pollution of the Tietê and Pinheiros Rivers in São Paulo’s Metropolitan Region (MRSP), resulting from disorderly urbanization and the discharge of untreated sewage. Despite decades of investment, traditional depollution efforts have shown modest results. Based on a literature review, this work proposes the circular economy as an innovative strategy to combat this pollution. Implementing circular principles – such as waste reduction, resource recovery, and sustainable manufacturing – can significantly reduce pollutant loads and is presented as vital for restoring the rivers.