Application of Reverse Logistics in the Identification OF Solid Waste Suitable for Recycling Discarded in Landfills in the City of Lorena

Contemporary society is still based on a linear production model that disregards the finiteness of natural resources and causes serious environmental impacts. Given this, sustainable strategies such as selective waste collection, reverse logistics, and the circular economy become essential. This study aimed to identify the recyclable solid waste that, although technically recyclable, is currently discarded in landfills by the sorting center of the municipality of Lorena – São Paulo, COOP COCAU, due to the absence of companies interested in its commercialization. The research used the case study method, supported by a Systematic Literature Review in databases such as CAPES Journals, SciELO, and Google Scholar, analyzing initiatives that employ economic and social instruments in waste management. The results indicated that materials such as mixed packaging, glass, rubber, Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and Polycarbonate (PC) are improperly discarded due to a lack of demand from the local recycling market, while waste such as paper, aluminum, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) show high recyclability and profitability, being utilized by the cooperative.   Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the application of reverse logistics in the identification of recyclable solid waste discarded in landfills in the city of Lorena – São Paulo, with the aim of mapping materials that, although technically recyclable, have no market demand and end up being treated as rejects.   Theoretical Framework: In this topic, the main concepts and theories that underpin the research are presented. [List relevant theories, models or frameworks] stand out, providing a solid basis for understanding the context of the investigation. This section presents the main concepts and theories underlying the research. Emphasis is placed on approaches to the circular economy, reverse logistics, selective waste collection, and the challenges of recycling in local markets, providing a solid foundation for understanding the research context.   Method: The methodology adopted for this research involves a case study conducted with the COOP COCAU cooperative in the municipality of Lorena, São Paulo, combined with a systematic literature review of databases such as CAPES, SciELO, and Google Scholar. Data collection was conducted through structured interviews with cooperative managers, field observations, and analysis of internal documents, enabling the identification of discarded materials and mapping of market barriers.   Results and Discussion: The results revealed that mixed packaging, glass, rubber, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polycarbonate (PC) are disposed of in landfills due to a lack of buyers, while paper, aluminum, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are highly recyclable and profitable, being used by the cooperative. The discussion highlights the disconnect between technical recyclability and economic viability, highlighting limitations such as a lack of technological infrastructure, limited government support, and dependence on market demand.   Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research indicate the need for public policies to encourage recycling, strengthen cooperatives, create markets for low-value-added materials, and integrate circular economy principles into the production sector. These results have a direct impact on urban solid waste management and provide insights for developing sustainability policies in medium-sized municipalities. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the gap between the technical potential of recycling and the market reality in Brazil, highlighting the obstacles that limit the effectiveness of reverse logistics at the local level. Its originality lies in the analysis of a specific cooperative case, little explored in the national and international literature, offering practical insights for public administrators, policymakers, and researchers in the fields of production engineering and sustainability.