Materials Management

Recycling of Materials · AN INCOME GENERATING ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTION

In order to mitigate the impact of its installations and projects on the environment, Cemig has, for many years, followed an objective and practical environmental policy. Among the methods employed is the recycling of materials, which besides protecting the environment, generates income for the company.

Through the completion of its material utilization cycle in the electrical system, the company has been broadening its range of environmental, technical and economical solutions.

Decontamination of Lamps

In a pioneering effort, Cemig has been sending, since 1998, those lamps no longer useful for decontamination and material recycling.

The mercury, glass and metal contained in the lamp are separated, sorted and sent for recycling and sale. This program helps prevent the highly toxic mercury contents, present in its liquid state in sodium vapor, mercury and mixed lamps, from contaminating the environment.

Batteries

The batteries used by Cemig’s three-thousand-vehicle fleet are destined to be returned to the manufacturer for recycling, which realizes significant savings to the company when purchasing new batteries.

In addition, pollution caused by lead and acid compounds is prevented.

Insulating Oil

Another successful environmental program launched by Cemig is the recycling of the insulating oil that is used for cooling, protection and insulation of electrical equipment.

After being recycled in Cemig’s shops and laboratories the insulating oil is then reused both in the maintenance of equipment in operation and to fill new units.

The Insulating Oil Center in Igarapé, which occupies an area of over 272 square meters (2926 square feet), mainly sorts and forwards the used insulating oil to specialized companies for recycling or sale.

Scrap Posts

This very original recycling program, the Scrap Posts Program, hands damaged concrete posts over to a community assistance organization in Itapecerica, Minas Gerais.

Recycling promotes the total re-utilization of both the concrete and the metal structures which are transformed into bricks and briquettes for use in the construction of houses and pavement.

Ceramics Insulators

Disposing of ceramics electrical insulators has been a problem for energy utilities all over the country. Its highly hazardous status is due to the formation of extremely sharp cutting edges when broken.

In a partnership with the Urban Garbage Disposal Superintendence, Cemig is investing in the development of a new ceramics recycling method. After being mechanically crushed and separated from the metal structure, a crusher breaks the ceramics into different sized pieces that can be used to cover surfaces such as floors, park benches and tabletops, resulting in a colorful finish. The metal pieces are sold as scrap to metallurgic industry for recycling.

10 tons of crushed ceramics are sent for recycling every month. In doing so, Cemig eliminates the storage or sending of this waste to landfills, in addition to realizing environmental benefits, as 100% of the material is re-utilized.

Scrap Lead

Scrap lead is hazardous, though recyclable waste. Used for cable sheathing, in the meters sealing and in a variety of other electrical materials, it is sold for recycling and re-utilization.

Investments in material recycling demonstrate not only Cemig’s concern for the environment, but the company’s marketing vision and its capacity to generate income out of a variety of activities. As a result of the sales of scrap lead, copper, aluminum, iron, bronze, glass and other materials, earnings of R$8,000,000.00 were generated from recycled products in 1998 alone.