Study of the dynamics of urban solid waste management considering the characterization of the collection routes in the municipality of Huatusco, Veracruz

Abstract

This study was conducted in the municipality of Huatusco de Chicuellar, in the state of Veracruz, to characterize the urban solid waste collection system, and to identify the pertinent logistical indicators to propose and analyze possible strategies that contribute to the redesign of the current collection system. For the development of the study, sampling was carried out to identify the micro waste collection routes with the help of technological tools such as the Global Positioning System, known as GPS, and they were represented graphically on the Google Earth platform. Through the evaluation of the collection routes, the main logistical indicators were identified, such as the mileage traveled on the routes, diesel consumption and the cost of final waste disposal. The information obtained in the characterization of the routes, in addition to other data obtained in previous studies of MSW generation and composition, carried out in the city, made it possible to develop a dynamic model with which it is possible to present an improvement scenario that consists of separating waste at the source (in families) and to observe the economic impact that this action can have for the municipality.