Optimizing solid waste management strategies in rural Ecuador

Abstract

The canton of Quinsaloma in Los Ríos Province, Ecuador, has a population of 16,476, with 72% residing in rural areas. The current solid waste management system only involves collection, transportation, and final disposal and lacks temporary storage containers. This absence hampers proper waste disposal, with 30% of rural communities lacking collection services, leading to improper disposal methods. This study aims to assess the current state of solid waste management, improve the collection system with temporary storage containers, and suggest an optimal site for a sanitary landfill. A survey of 354 residents, with questions on demographics and waste management practices, revealed that 60.5% are unaware of proper waste handling, but 89% recognize that waste accumulation causes pests, odors, and diseases. The survey showed that plastic bags are the most common waste storage material. Quinsaloma generates 270 tons of solid waste monthly, with 80.2% of residents using the collection truck. Tukey's test indicated significant differences in responses. Data on current collection routes was gathered through daily monitoring. This led to a new proposed route with temporary storage containers, including one urban and three rural routes with morning and evening collections. Due to the lack of a local sanitary landfill, a proposal for an optimal site was developed using a multicriteria analysis with Geographic Information Systems, identifying two suitable areas of 62.39 and 255.11 hectares.