Generation of Urban Solid Waste (RSU): analysis of a decade of management in European and American countries

Abstract

Population growth and environmental degradation have caused the expansion of cities, which entails a constant problem associated with the interaction of human activities with the environment and waste generation as product of it. For this reason, some nations have adopted sustainable development management and strengthening measures, which have been incorporated as an alternative solution. The objective of the research was to recognize and raise awareness of the importance of waste management, with emphasis on Latin America. The qualitative method was used through documentary analysis within the non-experimental context. Electronic and physical bibliographic sources were analyzed. The statistics of 25 articles, reports and official documents of environmental control agencies in the cities were reviewed. The trajectory of the generation, treatment and final disposal process was described for more than a decade in European and American countries that have highlighted their management or have high demographic. The data collected made it possible to highlight the critical points in waste management: lack of separation of waste at the source or treatment of reusable waste, absence of socialization and environmental education as part of public policies. The implementation of programs, norms and policies is fundamental to lay the foundations in the environmental management processes to guarantee sustainability, the right to the city and the well-being of urban populations. Sustainable waste management encompasses more than partial practices but rather the implementation of continuous strategic improvements through technical and more efficient options in urban environments.