This study addresses the challenges Brazil faces in managing urban solid waste, aligning with the goals of the National Solid Waste Plan (Planares) and the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS). Despite existing guidelines, the lack of a unified strategy for effective disposal techniques persists, emphasizing the urgency of transitioning to sustainable methods. This research proposes a mathematical optimization model to select the best techniques to meet Planares’ targets, focusing on reducing operational costs, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, and maximizing energy recovery potential. By employing linear programming, the model analyzes various scenarios, promoting underutilized sustainable practices such as recycling and composting. Validation in three Brazilian municipalities demonstrated the model’s effectiveness in addressing all Planares goals, including the elimination of open-air dumps, improvements in recycling, and energy recovery. The results highlight the model's potential to guide public policies toward efficient and sustainable waste management practices. The model can also serve as a foundation for other countries to better plan the achievement of their goals for improved solid waste management.