CASACOR São Paulo being dismantled: where do the materials go after the event? traduzido por: OPENROUTER

CASACOR São Paulo 2026 came to an end on August 9, and with that, a new stage of the event's organization begins: the dismantling. With a strong sustainable focus, the exhibition prioritizes the proper disposal of everything used in the exhibition projects – from sending items for recycling to donating items and materials to the various NGOs that partner with CASACOR.

(Adriana Barbosa/CASACOR)

Under the supervision of operations director Darlan Firmato, the process begins even before the closing, with the pre-registration of architects and brands interested in making donations. From there, Alice Criado, CICLO consultant and responsible for the Zero Waste operation, contacts the partner organizations and coordinates the separation between items that can be reused and those that should be sent for recycling. The work of the production, cleaning, receptionists, architects' workers, among others, contributes to CASACOR São Paulo maintaining the Zero Waste Certification for six consecutive editions.

(Adriana Barbosa/CASACOR)

Below, discover the sustainable and social actions that are part of the dismantling of the largest architecture, interior design and landscaping exhibition in the Americas.

STAGE 1: Proper waste disposal

Alice Criado's work follows different moments of CASACOR São Paulo: it begins with the management of waste generated during the assembly, goes through the common waste produced throughout the exhibition's operation, and reaches the dismantling. A Zero Waste consultant certified by the Zero Waste Institute Brazil (ILZB), she works to ensure that waste is separated and directed according to its characteristics. The certification is granted to companies and events that prove the diversion of at least 90% of waste from landfills.

(Adriana Barbosa/CASACOR)

After the event ends, one of the main tasks is precisely the sorting of construction waste. "The debris goes into smaller dumpsters, while wood, plaster and recyclable materials go into larger dumpsters. Each of these items has its own recycling system," Alice explains in an interview with CASACOR.

(Adriana Barbosa/CASACOR)

STAGE 2: Donations to NGOs and interested parties

Not everything that is removed from the projects during dismantling becomes waste. Many materials remain in perfect condition and can continue to be used after the end of the exhibition. Among them are floors, tiles, wooden decks, stone countertops and toilet bowls. Doors, joinery items, glass pieces and gardening accessories are also among the materials that can be given a new destination.

The partner NGOs have priority in choosing the available items, but individuals can also express interest in materials that are not absorbed by the institutions. "We always look for the NGOs first so that they can tell us whether they are interested in that material or not. For us, the most important thing is that everything has good use after CASACOR. We don't want anything to go to waste," emphasizes Alice.

STAGE 3: New uses for CASACOR materials

Every year, different organizations are registered to receive materials from the dismantling of CASACOR São Paulo. Among the partner institutions are Lia Esperança, Rogacionistas and Fazendinhando, a project by architect and CASACOR cast member Ester Carro. For Alice, the destination of these materials represents an opportunity to extend their useful life and meet concrete needs of the communities.

Each organization defines how the items will be distributed or incorporated into their own projects. At Fazendinhando, for example, about 35% of the materials used in the renovations carried out by the institution are reused. "Everything is designed to be given a new use, whether in our own renovations or through the destination of these materials to other families and projects in the territory. What arrives at Fazendinhando always finds a new possibility of use," explains Ester.

The architect also highlights another aspect of this process: the possibility of bringing quality materials to low-income families. "Within Fazendinhando, we greatly value architectural quality and believe that this is also part of promoting dignity. It is very interesting to perceive the impact these materials have on the residents themselves. Often, they tell us things like: 'Wow, I never imagined I could have porcelain tile in my house'. There is a change in the very perception these people have about the house where they live," she concludes.

traduzido por: OPENROUTER