This article aims to present the factors that influence the success or failure of social participation in environmental management by municipalities. Through a literature review and analysis of works on this subject in Brazil, a set of factors was identified that influence social participation in municipal environmental management in Brazil> This includes the issue of disclosure and access to information, education for individual performance of collective participation, perception of problems / local demands as an incentive for participation, identity and local values, and difficulty accessing participatory institutions. These results are in line with the literature on the subject.. It raises questions such as: How can you consider society's participation in this process without information? Without education and training? Without improving the area? Without any decentralization of power? Without integration, coordination and partnership among government sectors themselves and with civil society? Thus, it is hoped that this research provides support for the advancement of municipal environmental management processes based on social participation.