Measuring the generation of domestic waste: a statistical and legal approach. Case study: Riobamba

Resumen

Mismanaged waste is a problem which do not have a global solution yet, such as in Latin America and Ecuador. It is imperative to contribute to the scientific community with related research to take immediate decisions; otherwise, the quality of life of these sectors are seriously compromised. This study analyses the production of home waste including recyclable and non-recyclable materials in several cities in Ecuador, especially in Riobamba located in the center of the country and proposes likely solutions from a legal and logistics perspective. Besides, this scientific paper proposes a statistical methodology to measure this waste separated by materials, based on a weekly weighted waste measurement from a sample of students in Riobamba. Their average income, age, and residence situation are compared with the waste production aiming to conclude the following statements. In Ecuador, at least 50% from all the home waste is mismanaged and contributes negatively to the environment. The findings showed that approximately a person produces 1.5kg of waste per week, meaning high costs for the Municipality to manage these materials. Unfortunately, most cities, factories, and companies in Ecuador do not have any system to replace waste in the production chain again.