Analysis of urban solid waste costs determinants in Brazilian state capitals

Abstract This article aims to analyze and discuss factors that directly influence the per capita cost of urban solid waste in the Brazilian capitals. Information was collected on the costs of solid waste and specified a multivariate econometric model to understand its determinants. It was concluded that the waste costs depend on the management method elected (existence of selective collection), but are strongly influenced by the municipality management. Contrary to what the neoclassical microeconomic literature says, in the case of solid waste, in Brazilians capitals, the existence of the private sector in the service operation tends to bring increased pressure from higher services costs offered when operated by the government or mixed form.