Propuesta de un plan de manejo para la gestión integral de los residuos sólidos generados en los centros de expendio de comida de la Universidad de Cuenca

Abstract

The present study was realized with the purpose of developing a management plan for the integral management of the solid waste generated in the food distribution centers of the University of Cuenca, by determining the physical characteristics (apparent weights, quantity and composition) and its total daily generation in kilograms. For the preparation of this study, we initially proceeded to the collection of information on the current situation of each establishment, which was made through self-observation and interviews. In order to obtain the data of the physical characterization, the waste was collected from each establishment during 5 days, followed by the manual separation, weighing and weight-volume analysis of the same. The set of results obtained revealed that in the centers of sale of food of the University there is greater generation of organic matter with 79.3%, followed by plastic with 9.84% and others with 6.83%. The specific weights turned out to be variable, on average, the highest specific weight corresponds to the category of organics matter with a value of 481.72 kg/m3 and the lowest belongs to the category of plastics with a value of 40.24 kg/m3. Based on the obtained results and the recommendations of the owners of the establishments, a management plan was proposed for the integral management of solid waste, in which it is intended to promote separation at the source, generate environmental awareness and reduce the amount of waste destined to the sanitary landfill.