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 phase of the event's organization begins: the dismantling. With a strong sustainable focus, the show prioritizes the proper disposal of everything used in the exhibition projects – from sending materials for recycling to donating items and supplies to CASACOR's various partner NGOs.

(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, a CICLO consultant and head of the Zero Waste operation, contacts the partner organizations and coordinates the separation between items that can be reused and those that should go for recycling. This work has helped CASACOR São Paulo maintain the Zero Waste Certification for six consecutive editions.

(Adriana Barbosa/CASACOR)

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

STEP 1: Proper waste disposal

Alice Criado's work spans different moments of CASACOR São Paulo: it begins with the management of waste generated during assembly, continues through the common waste produced throughout the show's operation, and extends to the dismantling. As a Zero Waste consultant certified by the Zero Waste Institute of 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 closes, one of the main tasks is precisely the sorting of construction waste. "The debris goes into smaller dumpsters, while wood, drywall, and recyclable materials go into larger ones. Each of these items has its own recycling system," Alice explains in an interview with CASACOR.

(Adriana Barbosa/CASACOR)

STEP 2: Donations to NGOs and interested parties

Not everything removed from the projects during dismantling becomes waste. Many materials remain in perfect condition and can continue to be used after the show ends. Among them are flooring, tiles, wooden decks, stone countertops, and toilets. Doors, carpentry items, glass pieces, and gardening accessories are also among the materials that can be given a new purpose.

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

STEP 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, redirecting these materials represents an opportunity to extend their useful life and meet the concrete needs of communities.

Each organization decides 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 gain a new use, whether in our own renovations or by directing these materials to other families and projects in the area. What arrives at Fazendinhando always finds a new possibility for use," Ester explains.

The architect also highlights another aspect of this process: the possibility of bringing quality materials to low-income families. "Within Fazendinhando, we highly value architectural quality and believe that this is also part of promoting dignity. It is very interesting to see the impact that these materials have on the residents themselves. They often 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