Porto Sudeste expands waste reuse, strengthens circular economy strategy

Porto Sudeste is expanding the reuse of waste generated by its operations through a strategy that connects discarded materials to new industrial uses and reinforces the circular economy agenda within the terminal. Rubber, metal scrap, used oil, organic waste and even decommissioned uniforms are now being directed to recycling, re-refining, composting or external initiatives rather than conventional disposal.

According to the terminal, the approach is designed to turn operational leftovers into inputs for other stages of the production chain. Rubber waste is sent for recycling, metal scrap returns to the industrial cycle, and used oils undergo re-refining so they can return to the market as new products. Organic waste from the cafeteria is sent for composting, while decommissioned uniforms are redirected through external projects.

The initiative is part of a broader effort by the company to strengthen sustainable practices. Porto Sudeste has joined the Circular Connection Movement, linked to the Global Compact’s Ambition 2030, which brings together companies committed to circularity and better resource use.

The company said waste management has been part of the terminal’s day-to-day operations since it was launched, with a focus on source separation, environmental education and employee awareness. According to Porto Sudeste, that process has been helping raise reuse rates. In 2025, 96% of the waste generated at the terminal was reused. So far in 2026, the average stands at 85.4%.

On the operational side, the company also reports cases of internal reuse of materials and equipment. One example is the development of an ore moistening system at the wagon tippler, built from pipes left over from another terminal project. The solution was adopted as part of environmental controls to reduce the suspension of particulate matter during operations.

According to Porto Sudeste, the system works through gravity, using the 95-meter height of the water reservoir, which eliminates the need for pumps and reduces additional labor demand. The water used in the process is collected through rainwater drainage channels, sent to reservoirs and reused in environmental mitigation activities.

The company said the initiative was recognized internally through its continuous improvement program. The project was developed by Diogo Gomes da Silva, a mechanical technician with training in environmental management, who has worked at Porto Sudeste for 12 years and focuses on reusing materials to meet operational needs.

According to him, reusing parts and components removed from one piece of equipment and applying them to another helps reduce waste and generates practical gains in day-to-day operations. Among the effects cited are lower costs, better control over material consumption and time savings in operational activities.

He also said the practice has been influencing team behavior, encouraging greater attention to how materials are discarded at the end of activities and broadening the search for reuse alternatives within the terminal.

Source: Porto Sudeste

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