Factors influencing the return of post-consumer fluorescent lamps through reverse logistics in São Bento do Sul/SC (Brazil)

1 DOI: 10.55905/rdelosv18.n67-013 ISSN: 1988–5245 Originals received: 4/4/2025 Acceptance for publication: 4/28/2025 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 Jan. 2021 Factors influencing the return of post-consumer fluorescent lamps through reverse logistics in São Bento do Sul/SC (Brazil) Fatores de influência no retorno de lâmpadas fluorescentes pós-consumo por meio de logística reversa em São Bento do Sul/SC (Brasil) Factores que influyen en el retorno de lámparas fluorescentes posconsumo mediante logística inversa en São Bento do Sul/SC (Brasil) Joari Vepech Specialist in Innovation Technology Management Institution: Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina Address: São Bento do Sul – Santa Catarina, Brazil E-mail: [email protected] Alexandre Borges Fagundes Doctor in Technology Institution: Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná Address: São Bento do Sul – Santa Catarina, Brazil E-mail: [email protected] Fernanda Hänsch Beuren Doctor in Production Engineering Institution: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina Address: São Bento do Sul – Santa Catarina, Brazil E-mail: [email protected] Caroline Rodrigues Vaz Doctor in Production Engineering Institution: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina Address: Florianópolis – Santa Catarina, Brazil E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT This article addresses the sectoral agreement on sodium and mercury vapor fluorescent lamps and mixed light, within the management of Reverse Logistics Systems, an instrument of the National Solid Waste Policy. The general objective of this study was to identify the main factors that influence the quantities of returns of unusable products from the aforementioned system through Reverse Logistics in the city of São Bento do Sul/SC. For this purpose, data collection was carried out with domestic consumers, store owners and the manager of the city's waste collection system. Afterwards, the opinions expressed by the respondents were analyzed, pointing out possible factors and trends regarding the research object. Thus, this research contributed, in addition to the identification of influencing variables, to possible trends in consumer consumption and disposal behavior, thus enabling the acquisition of a conceptual basis and suggestions for the continuation of this research within the theme of reverse logistics. 2 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 Keywords: fluorescent lamps, reverse logistics, national solid waste policy, sectoral agreement. RESUMO Este artigo aborda o acordo setorial de Lâmpadas Fluorescentes de vapor de sódio e mercúrio e de luz mista, dentro da gestão dos Sistemas de Logística Reversa, instrumento da Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos. O objetivo geral deste estudo foi identificar os principais fatores que exercem influência nos quantitativos de retorno de produtos inservíveis do referido sistema por meio da Logística Reversa na cidade de São Bento do Sul/SC. Para isto, foi elaborada coleta de dados junto a consumidores domésticos, lojistas e gestor do sistema de coleta de resíduos da cidade. Após, foi executada a análise das opiniões emitidas pelos respondentes, apontando possíveis fatores e tendências acerca do objeto pesquisado. Assim, esta pesquisa trouxe como contribuição, além da identificação de variáveis de influência, as possíveis tendências de consumo e comportamento de descarte dos consumidores, possibilitando então auferir uma base conceitual e sugestões para a continuidade desta pesquisa dentro do tema da logística reversa. Palavras-chave: lâmpadas fluorescentes, logística reversa, política nacional de resíduos sólidos, acordo setorial. RESUMEN Este artículo aborda el acuerdo sectorial sobre lámparas fluorescentes de vapor de sodio y mercurio y luz mixta, dentro de la gestión de los Sistemas de Logística Inversa, instrumento de la Política Nacional de Residuos Sólidos. El objetivo general de este estudio fue identificar los principales factores que influyen en las cantidades de devoluciones de productos inservibles del citado sistema a través de Logística Reversa en el municipio de São Bento do Sul/SC. Para ello se recogieron datos de consumidores domésticos, comerciantes y del gestor del sistema de recogida de residuos de la ciudad. Posteriormente se realizó el análisis de las opiniones expresadas por los encuestados, señalando posibles factores y tendencias respecto al objeto investigado. De esta forma, esta investigación contribuyó, además de a la identificación de variables influyentes, a las posibles tendencias de consumo y comportamiento de descarte del consumidor, permitiendo así la creación de una base conceptual y sugerencias para la continuación de esta investigación dentro de la temática de la logística inversa. Palabras clave: lámparas fluorescentes, logística inversa, política nacional de residuos sólidos, convenio sectorial. 1 INTRODUCTION Abstract: Humanity has observed harmful consequences to the environment, mainly due to the increase in the generation of solid waste that occur by several factors such as technological advancement, the growth of the world population as well as its increasingly consumerist trends, and the incorrect disposal of this waste, generating enormous environmental liabilities. According to Dias (2011), in this sense, corporations seek new alternatives not to be seen by society 3 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 as villains. In this sense, we highlight the studies of several researchers on different Reverse Logistics Systems and the myriad of factors and considerations that can influence the efficiency of these practices (such as Ambrozi et al., 2020; Bastos et al., 2025, Goedert et al., 2025; Goeldner et al., 2020; Klaumann et al., 2025; Marcos et al., 2025; Milkievicz et al., 2025; Pokriwieski et al., 2025; Radzinski et al. 2025; Schwarzer et al., 2025, and Teixeira et al., 2025). Citing technological advances, fluorescent lamps, created by Nikola Tesla, have emerged as a more economical and efficient alternative compared to their predecessors, incandescent lamps. However, as they have mercury in their structure, a heavy metal highly harmful to the environment and to humans, its incorrect disposal ends up generating a huge environmental liability. For Almeida (2013), in this context, with the increasing generation of solid waste, and the recent search for alternatives for a correct disposal, as well as its management, have become mandatory actions. Changes in habits, both productive and consumerist, due to pressure from society, environmental protection organizations and even the market, are observed as an attempt to adapt the activities of corporations to this new reality. Thus, some guidelines have been used to change the fate of solid waste. One of them is the 5 R (Rethink, Reuse, Reject, Reduce and Recycle), a policy that aims to reduce the generation of waste on our planet. There is also reverse logistics, and their agreements already implemented, one of which is the Fluorescent Lamps of sodium and mercury vapor and mixed light. In Reverse Logistics, corporations need to take responsibility for the waste generated as well as for the life cycle of products (Akatu Institute, 2010). As it is a concept considered relatively new, its full operation depends on more maturity (knowledge and awareness) of the various people involved, because, according to Fagundes (2015), the National Policy on Solid Waste - Federal Law 12.305/2010 (Brazil, 2010) - basis for Reverse Logistics systems, society as a whole plays a fundamental role in waste management, thus creating a chain of responsibilities, the so-called Shared Responsibility. The difficulty in determining the amounts of sodium and mercury vapor fluorescent lamps and post-consumer mixed light, as well as the attempt to identify what would be the main factors that may influence the correct destination of this material by small generators (individuals) through Reverse Logistics, becomes the justification for this research. 4 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 2 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK This chapter presents studies on the fluorescent lamp, mercury (Hg), heavy metal and main contaminant contained in the lamp, the National Solid Waste Policy - PNRS - (Brazil, 2010) and the Solid Waste Policy in the city object of this research, São Bento do Sul, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. 2.1 FLUORESCENT LAMPS With the constant need to innovate technologically and energetically, fluorescent lamps have replaced incandescent ones because they are more economical and have a longer life span (Ecycle, 2025a; Foxlux, 2025) Fluorescent lamps are divided into compact and tubular lamps. The compact ones are divided into integrated reactors, having the reactor inside the lamp body, and not integrated, having the reactor outside the lamp, requiring a separate reactor installation. Tubular are divided into four main formats, T12 (38mm), T10 (33mm), T8 (26mm) and T5 (16mm), T8 and T5 being the most modern, because the smaller the diameter the better the light reproduced (Procel, 2011). Both compact and tubular fluorescent lamps are composed of mercury-filled glass and inert gases that do not react with mercury, plastic or metal socket that ensures the lamp holder and provides the electrical connectors and phosphorous dust composed of Aluminum, Antimony, Barium, Cadmium, Calcium, Lead, Copper, Chromium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Mercury, Nickel, Sodium and Zinc (Apliquim Brasil Recicle, 2018; Brasil Recicle, 2018). Because they contain many toxic substances in their composition, the incorrect disposal of fluorescent lamps or even their breakdown by the population, can cause not only risks to humans and animals, but also to the soil, because in addition to mercury, the lamps contain cadmium and lead in their composition - even if the levels released by the lamp are small - thinking about the millions that are discarded incorrectly, it becomes dangerous for the planet. (Brazil Recycle, 2018; Ecycle, 2025b). Due to the blackout of 2001, where Brazilians were forced to reduce electricity costs, a process of replacing incandescent lamps with fluorescent ones began, thus providing a decrease of up to 80% in the light bill (Guitarrara, 2025; Nord Research, 2024). 5 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 The consumer's decision to purchase fluorescent lamps, although there is a higher cost at the time of purchase in relation to incandescent, was influenced by the fact that they have a useful life about eight times longer. Nowadays, when comparing fluorescent lamps x LED lamps, fluorescent lamps are left behind in terms of energy savings, and this new model, LED, is more economically and sustainably attractive, because, in addition to the aforementioned lower energy consumption, they have the advantage of being manufactured with non-toxic materials, not requiring a special type of recycling, as opposed to fluorescent lamps, which need special attention regarding treatment for mercury (Santos et al., 2015). 2.2 FLUORESCENT LAMP LIFE CYCLE The life cycle of products is the collection of steps necessary to fulfill the functions. It begins with the extraction and processing of the raw material and continues until its final disposal. The knowledge of this factor becomes of great value for Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), thus contributing to the reduction of environmental impacts, in addition to making it possible to analyze several products of the same segment, which contributes to the reduction of consumption, pollution and environmental damage (Ecycle, 2025c; Abnt, 2009; Ribeiro, 2010). After use, there are five different ways for the recycling process of fluorescent lamps in Brazil: Blow treatment, simple, thermal and chemical milling, and solidification / encapsulation. The safest and most effective process, and consequently the most used in Brazil, is the thermal grinding (Bacila, 2012; Bacila et al., 2014; Brandão et al., 2011; Mombach et al., 2008; Mourão, Seo, 2012; Polanco, 2007). Also, according to the same authors, after recycling, the materials (solid waste) extracted are: plastic base, glass, decontaminated phosphoric powder, brass, aluminum and liquid mercury. For the generation of 1 kg of glass, four to six lamps are needed, for 1 kg of sockets (from which brass and aluminum are extracted) approximately 350 lamps are needed, for 1 kg of phosphoric powder approximately 110 lamps are needed and for the generation of 1 kg of mercury (Hg), approximately 50,000 lamps are needed. The glass obtained in the process can be used in the manufacture of glazed finish for ceramics, the sockets are revitalized in the metallurgical industries such as brass and aluminum, the phosphoric powder can be used in some processes in the industries of the ceramic sector and finally the mercury (hg), after processed, can be used in 6 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 the manufacture of thermometers, fractional use and for dental use (recycler). 2.2.1 Mercury and the consequences of improper disposal of Fluorescent Lamps Found naturally in the environment, the element mercury (Hg) can be located in many places in the world (Unep, 2013). According to Azevedo (2003), "mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal that under normal conditions of temperature and pressure is shaped like a silver liquid." Abstract: Mercury, in its metallic form, is customarily destined to the production of chlorine-soda, non-electronic instruments, utensils for medical, surgical, dental, gold amalgamation and for the production of lamps (Ibama, 2012). The mercury extracted during the recycling process of the lamps, however, can be reused in the manufacture of new lamps, thermometers, manometers, among others (Avant, 2013). Because it is a heavy and toxic metal, if this material was discarded incorrectly, it can cause great damage not only to the environment, but also to human health. 2.2.2 Human Exposure to Mercury According to Silva (2005), it is important to note that despite the small amount of mercury (Hg) contained in a single lamp, incorrect disposal of a large volume of this material maximizes this factor. Also according to Silva (2005), the human being to have contact with mercury, can present intoxication frame with the following symptoms: depression, panic syndrome, fatigue, tremors, difficulty in speech, motor uncontrol, stomatitis, lateral walking, memory loss, loose teeth, loss of sexual performance, pain and paralysis of the extremities. Mercury can still cause other disorders when inhaled, such as damage to the nervous system, digestive system, immune system, lungs and kidneys (Who, 2007). It is very worrying, because the effects can be irrecoverable. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the tolerance for exposure to mercury vapor inhalation is 0.2 μg/m³. The limit set for air is 1 μg/m³, for water it is 1 μg/L of total mercury and for intake it is 2 μg/kg body weight per day (Who, 2007). Mercury (Hg), when found in aquatic environments, becomes its most dangerous and fatal form, methylmercury (MeHg). The great danger for humans is that mercury accumulates in the inhabitants of this environment, such as fish, and thus accumulates in the food chain (CDC, 7 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 2009). Humans also become exposed to the consumption (ingestion) of untreated water. Mercury in methylmercury state can be found in both fresh and salt water at concentrations below 0.5 μg/L (Who, 2011). 2.2.3 Mercury and the environment According to WHO (2011), the contamination of groundwater by mercury, causes serious damage to human health and also a major environmental impact, which can cause the death of living beings inhabiting this environment. Another problem detected is that the insertion of mercury into the air occurs naturally and continuously, that is, they do not depend only on the influence of the human being in their process. Volcanic and geothermal activities, for example, also generate mercury and release it into the environment. Some studies suggest that 10% of the mercury emitted and reemitted into the atmosphere comes from natural sources (Unep, 2013). The release of 1 mg of mercury in a 500 m³ place without ventilation is enough to exceed by up to 10 times the recommended limit (Johnson et al., 2008). The proliferation of mercury in the soil can vary according to some factors, such as redox potential, pH, soil type, among others, and can be absorbed by different types of humates and minerals (Azevedo et al., 2003). 2.2.4 National Solid Waste Policy - PNRS The National Policy on Solid Waste (PNRS), brings together a series of objectives, principles, tools, guidelines, goals and actions to be taken by the Federal Government, both in isolation, or even through partnerships with other government units, and even private institutions (Brazil, 2010). The PNRS, or Law No. 12,305 / 10 (Brazil, 2010), puts into debate Reverse Logistics and Shared Responsibility, innovative and responsible for the entire life cycle of products, then giving the possibility of establishing new concepts and breaking certain paradigms existing in the traditional linear chain production cycle. These innovative concepts are a worldwide trend, forming cyclical chains, when the end of the useful life of a given product can generate an 8 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 opportunity for a new beginning. According to Faria (2012), as a consequence of this rupture of model, the competitiveness and environmental responsibility of companies can increase, through the process of reuse of waste caused by the production chain, while considering secondary markets. Article 33 of the PNRS provides for the mandatory implementation of reverse logistics by those responsible for the import, manufacture, marketing and distribution of products such as fluorescent lamps, batteries, batteries, oils, tires, electronics and pesticides, the so-called Sectorial Agreements (Brazil, 2010). 2.2.5 Reverse Logistics System with Sector Understanding for Fluorescent Lamps The agreement regarding the implementation of the Reverse Logistics System of Fluorescent Lamps of Sodium and Mercury Steam and Mixed Light, was signed on November 27, 2014, and was published in the Official Gazette of the Union (D.O.U) on March 12, 2015 (Abilux, 2015). The agreement aims to establish rules for the entire process of environmentally correct disposal of lamps, following the precepts of Law No. 12,305 / 2010 (Brazil, 2010), and contemplates low or high pressure discharge lamps containing mercury, such as compact and tubular fluorescent, mixed light, mercury steam, sodium steam, metal steam and special application lamps, not contemplating LED lamps because they have a different construction structure, not releasing toxic materials that harm the environment (Sinir, 2018). With the agreement, shared responsibility for the life cycle of lamps was instituted. According to article 3, item XVII of the PNRS, responsibilities should be shared between consumers, traders, distributors, manufacturers, importers and holders of public services for urban cleaning and solid waste management, aiming to minimize the impacts on health and environmental quality, which result from the life cycle of products (MMA, 2014). According to Moraes (2006) in this sectoral agreement, the consumer, when returning the unusable lamps at some point of collection, becomes a collaborator of the system, in addition to acting as a supervisor when charging commercial establishments that accept the return of used lamps. This system is basically formed by two delivery networks, B2B (Business to Business), 9 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 or large generators, and B2C (Business to Commerce), called small generators, or home generators. This research has its scope focused on small generators. The flow to this network is carried out as follows: the home generator delivers the lamps at the collection points, which at first will be located in retail stores, companies, public places, among others. These places should have their own equipment for the purpose of temporary storage of lamps that no longer work (Sinir, 2014). When the capacity of the containers is exhausted, those responsible for the collection station will request the removal and replacement of the containers. The company contracted for the collection and transport service will also be responsible for issuing the document proving the volume of material collected, and transporting the material to a company specialized in carrying out the first stage of the recycling process, performing the dismantling and classification of the component materials of the lamps, leading to the production cycle the usable material, and giving correct environmental destination to the part without conditions of recycling (Sinir, 2014). The definition of fixed delivery stations will follow the following prerequisites: population density of at least 250 inhabitants per km², in municipalities with more than 25,000 inhabitants, with an average distance of 4 km between each residence served. For regions that do not meet these requirements, another receiving and / or collection system must be created (Sinir, 2014a). According to Annex I of the sectoral agreement "Forecast of municipalities with delivery points and estimated number of containers" that shows the delivery points of the B2C network in the first year of implementation, 35 municipalities will be added and in the following year 46 will be added to the number of municipalities served, tending to increase annually according to population density (Sinir, 2014b). One of the biggest problems that this system faces for its correct operation is precisely the fact that most Brazilian municipalities do not fit the prerequisites defined for the implementation of fixed delivery stations. The final implementation of this agreement provides for progressive targets. It was defined that from the signing of the agreement, the signatories would have five years to reach the volume of 20% of the lamps inserted in the national market, considering the base year of 2012, receiving them and giving environmentally adequate final destination (Sinir, 2014). 16 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 Figure 7. Price-consumption-cost-benefit-environmental appeal-chance factors. Source: Prepared by the authors themselves. It can thus be concluded that most respondents, when choosing their lamp, opt for the economy. 46% of the responses indicate the most economical option, which consumes less energy and 48% make a broader analysis, considering cost x benefit. This factor is very relevant because it indicates a strong tendency to purchase LED lamps, which meet the cost-benefit ratio cited in the responses. This trend is confirmed in the following question (Figure 8), when respondents were asked: "Considering the previous question, which lamp is usually your choice?" Figure 8. Acquired lamp type factor. Source: Prepared by the authors themselves. The absolute majority, 85%, opt for LED lamps, which indicates a strong tendency to purchase this product. 17 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 4.1.3 Environmental awareness profile of the interviewees (motivating factors for the choice of destination) In the next tab of the research, some questions were formulated regarding the disposal of unserviceable lamps in the interviewees' homes. The first question was, "When a lamp burns in your house, what destination do you give it?" Figure 9 shows the results. Figure 9. Waste destination factor. Source: Prepared by the authors themselves. The survey found that 69% of respondents said that when the lamps in their home no longer work, they separate for recycling or take it to a delivery point. This result also points to a positive trend, in relation to socio-environmental awareness. It is relevant to note that the survey still indicates a high percentage (31%) of people who still throw the lamp in the common garbage or even keep it in their homes. According to the answer to the previous question, the interviewee was directed to a new question, and then provided data to justify the reasons that led him to answer the previous question. Considering the question: "I throw the burnt lamps in the common garbage because…" the answers contained in Figures 10, 11 and 12 were obtained. 18 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 Figure 10. Motivating factor for the disposal of waste to the common waste. Source: Prepared by the authors themselves. Figure 10 shows that 35% report that there are no collection points near their residence and 32% because it is easier to dispose of in the common garbage. But the trend points out that the main reason, with approximately 70% of the responses, is due to the lack of knowledge of the user, how to proceed when a lamp becomes unserviceable. For the interviewees who answered "I separate the burnt lamps for recycling because…?" Figure 11 indicates the justifications of the respondents to the questionnaire. Figure 11. Motivating factor for the disposal of waste for recycling. Source: Prepared by the authors themselves. The survey confirms a trend towards environmental awareness, showing that 60 per cent of respondents say they act this way because they believe they need to protect the environment. Despite the positive results, one item draws attention, the 35% of the answers that state that they discard because there is a selective collection service on their street. The answer even shows 19 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 concern with the correct mode of disposal, however, the selective collection service does not collect fluorescent lamps. The correct disposal must be at the Voluntary Delivery Site (LEV), which will be explained below. This item also points to a lack of knowledge on the part of the interviewees. For the interviewees who answered "I keep the burnt lamps at home because…?" Figure 12 indicates the justifications of the respondents to the questionnaire. Figure 12. Motivating factor for the destination of the waste for storage in the residence itself. Source: Prepared by the authors themselves. Once again the main reason pointed out (approximately 77%) indicates that the respondents do not know exactly what the correct process for discarding the lamps that no longer serve. With the analysis of the data, it is concluded that there is a tendency of the respondents to abandon the consumption of fluorescent lamps, adhering to the LED lamps, which demonstrate a better cost x benefit, besides a more coherent environmental appeal. Most respondents, according to this research, usually direct the unserviceable lamps for proper disposal. The objective of identifying possible factors of influence for the return of the unserviceable lamps, indicates that the lack of information is still one of the main reasons for the erroneous direction of these residues, either for not knowing where to direct the material, or even for not knowing what to do with it. 20 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 4.2 COLLECTION POINTS In the second stage of this research, 12 lamp trades in the city of São Bento do Sul were interviewed in person and randomly. These trades are located in the following neighborhoods: Shops 1 to 5 - Centro Shops 6 and 7 - Rio Negro Store 8 - Centenary Shops 9 and 10 - Boehmerwald Shop 11 - Serra Alta Shop 12 - Colonial The following questions were briefly asked: A) "I have a burned-out fluorescent lamp and would like to deliver it for disposal. Do you receive this material?" Of the interviewees, 08 stated categorically that they do not receive, another 02 gave the option of receiving if a new material was acquired and another 02 stated that they only receive material from large generators (Legal Entity). B) So then he was asked, "Why don’t they receive it?" The same 08 who had answered that they did not receive, also did not know the reasons. The other 04 respondents stated that the costs for the reception and the correct disposal of the lamps is high, not compensating for the store to offer the service. With this analysis, it is concluded that the local commerce of São Bento do Sul, does not offer the service of return of fluorescent lamps to small generators. 4.3 SAMAE INTERVIEW As reported in item 2.3.2 of this article, one of the possible difficulties for the implementation of the agreement is that the definition of fixed delivery stations should have as prerequisites: Population density of at least 250 inhabitants per km², in municipalities with more than 25,000 inhabitants, with an average distance of 4 km between each residence served. For regions that do not meet these requirements, another receiving and / or collection system must be created (Sinir, 2014a). 21 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 Most Brazilian municipalities do not fit this question, including São Bento do Sul, and should then, according to SINIR, create another system of receiving and / or collection. It was then that, from the definition of the Solid Waste Policy of São Bento do Sul, in 2015, SAMAE - Municipal Autonomous Service of Water and Sewage, defined its performance in relation to Reverse Logistics and PNRS. In 2018, it created the LEV (Voluntary Delivery Site), a point that receives solid waste that cannot be disposed of along with recyclable waste, such as fluorescent lamps, and thus also proceed with the correct disposal of such waste. At this stage of the research, an interview was conducted with the head of the Division of Municipal Solid Waste of the municipality, in order to support the operation of the LEV regarding the fluorescent lamp system. With the consent of the interviewee, the content of the interview is described below. - On what date was the LEV (Voluntary Delivery Place) inaugurated in São Bento do Sul? Answer: The LEV was inaugurated in mid-2018. - How has Samae perceived the demand of the population for the return of fluorescent lamps? Is the demand big or shy? Answer: The demand for disposal is great. We receive around 30,000 light bulbs/year. - Does the LEV receive only material coming from an Individual or from a Legal Entity as well? Shopkeepers who also receive return of lamps, can forward to the LEV? Answer: The LEV receives only from small generators, that is, Physical Person, for large generators (Legal Entity and Shopkeepers) the responsibility for destination is the generator itself. - The material that reaches the LEV, it is only Fluorescent Lamps or the population ends up taking other types of lamps too (LED, etc.)? If yes (other types), do you have any idea of the quantity? Answer: All kinds of bulbs can be taken to LEV, we have received many LED bulbs. The total received in the last 2 years was 30,000 lamps/year. - I noticed that the material is stored in a container. But after that, how does the process work? Where is the material intended for? Does Samae sell to any specialized company, or is there an agreement for recycling? Answer: The material is temporarily stored in a container, and when it is almost full, 22 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 SAMAE hires the appropriate destination, that is, a company that does the decontamination and recycling of the material. - Is it possible to identify if the population still discards lamps in the common garbage? Or in selective collection? Are the lamps that end up going to selective collection, afterwards destined for the LEV? Answer: Yes, there is still disposal of lamps in the ordinary garbage, as well as amid the recyclable material that arrives in the cooperative, in the latter case, the material is separated and taken to the LEV. - Is there a control of the number of lamps that reach the LEV, given year by year for example? If so, is it possible to share this statistic? (remembering that the data provided will be used only for academic purposes, in the preparation of the scientific article). Answer: In 2018, 50,000 lamps were destined, and in 2019, 55,000 lamps. - Still with regard to the indices, the PNRS establishes some (general) goals for the agreement of this system, such as a target of 20% return of lamps from the total placed on the market in 2012. Does Samae have any specific goals? Answer: The Municipal Plan for Integrated Solid Waste Management (Law No. 3629/2015), does not establish destination targets, even because the responsibility must be the manufacturers, however, as the reverse logistics of lamps has not yet been fully implemented, the municipal government decided to bear the costs and implement this system, aiming at the reduction of contaminating material in the Municipal Landfill. After the interview, a visit was made to the LEV site to verify its functioning, and the images presented in Figures 13 to 16 were recorded. 23 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 Figure 13. Voluntary Delivery Place (LEV) in São Bento do Sul/SC. Source: Prepared by the authors themselves. Figure 14. Voluntary Delivery Place (LEV) in São Bento do Sul/SC. Source: Prepared by the authors themselves. 24 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 Figure 15. Voluntary Delivery Place (LEV) in São Bento do Sul/SC. Source: Prepared by the authors themselves. Figure 16. Voluntary Delivery Place (LEV) in São Bento do Sul/SC. Source: Prepared by the authors themselves. When observing the Ecopoints of the city of São Bento do Sul / SC (Figure 17), a signaling on the disposal of bulbs and bulky materials was noticed, guiding the population to dispose of these materials at the Voluntary Delivery Site (LEV), with indication of the location of the LEV through an aerial image of the city (Figure 18). 25 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 Figure 17. Ecopoint in São Bento do Sul/SC. Source: Prepared by the authors themselves. Figure 18. Ecopoint in São Bento do Sul/SC. Source: Prepared by the authors themselves. Through internet searches on LEV in São Bento do Sul/SC, little information was found. At the time, the SAMAE and City Hall websites did not provide specific information. It was concluded that further dissemination of this excellent initiative was needed. 32 Revista DELOS, Curitiba, v.18, n.67, p. 01-32, 2025 SANTOS, T. S.; BATISTA, M.; POZZA, S. A.; ROSSI, L. S. 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