Abstract
Households are the sources contributing the most to the production of urban solid wastes in developing countries. The present study analyses the generation of domestic solid wastes in a settlement in Mexico in two different years. The goals were to compare composition and rates of generation into the periods to assess changes and the influence of socioeconomic variables. In 1998 and 2004, wastes from households were sampled of three socioeconomic levels randomly selected, and a survey was applied. Data obtained were analyzed with descriptive and multivariate analysis. Results of generation rate and composition of domestic solid wastes showed a negative correlation between generation and income in the first one, but positive in the second one; in both, composition did not show correlation. Rates of per capita generation, per household, population and density of inhabitants per dwelling increased, and the generation of wastes were more with respect to population growth, which emphasizes the influence of economic and demographic variables. This study corroborates that households are the principal sources of urban solid wastes and it is emphasized that management strategies must preponderate households to be successful. In addition, this information is important to establish strategies for an integral management of urban solid wastes in developing countries.
Highlights
The generation of urban solid wastes (USW) represents a severe problem for the environmental authorities of Mexico, as for the majority of developing countries [1]
This study corroborates that households are the principal sources of urban solid wastes and it is emphasized that management strategies must preponderate households to be successful
Increases in household income, urbanization, and spread of more manufactured products clearly influence both generation rates and composition of USW [6]. These rapid changes contribute to low efficiencies of USW collection and management systems, that when coupled with bad design and outdated policies such as the lack separation and recycling operations result lately in waste of economic resources [7] [8]
Summary
The generation of urban solid wastes (USW) represents a severe problem for the environmental authorities of Mexico, as for the majority of developing countries [1]. Increases in household income, urbanization, and spread of more manufactured products clearly influence both generation rates and composition of USW [6] These rapid changes contribute to low efficiencies of USW collection and management systems, that when coupled with bad design and outdated policies such as the lack separation and recycling operations result lately in waste of economic resources [7] [8]. All these led to social, sanitary and environmental issues for urban authorities that should provide services for a growing population. Most cities should deal with a growing vulnerable population that operates irregularly collection and separation services as a way to obtain economical resources
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