Gobernanza ambiental y gestión de residuos sólidos – análisis de la gestión de fases I y II del relleno ambiental Pichacay de Cuenca

Abstract

The increase in population implies a new concern about the amount of solid waste generated, where the challenge lies in the final disposal of these wastes, which according to the new sustainable approach is sought, as far as possible, to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Cuenca has one of the best solid waste management systems in the country following the implementation of the Pichacay Human and Environmental Development Complex. However, three phases are proposed for development and a last one is planned to begin in 2022, where there is no evidence of studies that corroborate good management from the perspective of public policies for sustainability. In this context, this research aims to propose policies based on the diagnosis of the policies implemented in phase I and II. The results show that there are shortcomings in the management that generate physical, biological and social damages derived from air pollution due to bad odors and the lack of compliance with alliances with the citizens living in the surrounding communities. The proposal is based on the circular economy approach to increase the useful life of the Pichacay landfill, through the implementation of public policies aimed at mitigating air pollution due to bad odors, policies for resource efficiency through WEEE recycling models, and policies for the implementation of circular economy principles in household waste management.