Carolina Armijo de Vega

Solid waste characterization and recycling potential for a university campus

Integrated waste management systems are one of the greatest challenges for sustainable development. For these systems to be successful, the first step is to carry out waste characterization studies. In this paper are reported the results of a waste characterization study performed in the Campus Mexicali I of the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC). The aim of this study was to set the basis for implementation of a recovery, reduction and recycling waste management program at the campus. It was found that the campus Mexicali I produces 1ton of solid wastes per day; more than 65% of these wastes are recyclable or potentially recyclable. These results showed that a program for segregation and recycling is feasible on a University Campus. The study also showed that the local market for recyclable waste, under present conditions - number of recycling companies and amounts of recyclables accepted - can absorb all of these wastes. Some alternatives for the potentially recyclables wastes are discussed. Finally some strategies that could be used to reduce waste at the source are discussed as well.

Mathematical modeling to predict residential solid waste generation

One of the challenges faced by waste management authorities is determining the amount of waste generated by households in order to establish waste management systems, as well as trying to charge rates compatible with the principle applied worldwide, and design a fair payment system for households according to the amount of residential solid waste (RSW) they generate. The goal of this research work was to establish mathematical models that correlate the generation of RSW per capita to the following variables: education, income per household, and number of residents. This work was based on data from a study on generation, quantification and composition of residential waste in a Mexican city in three stages. In order to define prediction models, five variables were identified and included in the model. For each waste sampling stage a different mathematical model was developed, in order to find the model that showed the best linear relation to predict residential solid waste generation. Later on, models to explore the combination of included variables and select those which showed a higher R(2) were established. The tests applied were normality, multicolinearity and heteroskedasticity. Another model, formulated with four variables, was generated and the Durban-Watson test was applied to it. Finally, a general mathematical model is proposed to predict residential waste generation, which accounts for 51% of the total.

Characterization and quantification of household solid wastes in a Mexican city

This paper presents the results of a study carried out in a community of the city of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. The purpose of the study was to describe the household solid wastes (HSW) generated by the community in order to identify the potential of the wastes for recycling. The results obtained are used to make an evaluation of the recycling potential for other communities similar to the one studied. These communities are located in the area of greatest and most recent growth in the city.

Mexican educational institutions and waste management programmes: a University case study

Abstract Unlike most developed countries, Mexico has inadequate, enacted legislation and similarly ineffective regulation regimes, to cover the majority of current, key waste management issues. Because of this, an opportunity has been lost to drive the sustainable waste management agenda through the engagement of industry, commerce and the general public. To encourage the widespread adoption of sustainable practice, the educational system in Mexico needs to become pro-active and develop a range of suitable programmes for students at all levels. It must be acknowledged that there are a number of key barriers to the development of such sustainability-based programmes. Central and local authorities rarely have the knowledge base required to facilitate such developments and this added to internal organisational problems within institutions means that developments in new, multi-disciplinary areas are given low priority. This paper describes a case study of the development of a solid waste management programme in the University of Baja California—this is unique within Mexico.

The potential for recycling household waste: a case study from Mexicali, Mexico

This paper demonstrates the great potential for recycling and for reducing waste volumes based on a study of household waste in a neighbourhood in Mexicali. The research recorded the weight of waste generated and analyzed its composition, drawing on 1,292 samples from 120 households. Most of the waste was recyclable or potentially recyclable and a recycling programme would bring benefits not only by reducing waste volumes and pollution but also by greatly lengthening the life of the existing city dump. The paper also considers which other neighbourhoods in Mexicali are likely to have comparable waste patterns and discusses the measures needed to develop a recycling programme.

Measuring Progress of Waste Management Programs

Proponents of initiatives for solid waste management require tools to assess the efficiency of their programs both environmentally and from the economic and social perspectives, and thus take the appropriate decisions to improve the performance. The objective of this study was to develop an assessment tool through a set of indicators integrated into a model that measures the effectiveness in which programs operate with solid waste management. The methodology consisted in adjusting performance indicators for waste management programs into a Driving Force-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model. The most relevant indicators were chosen through a selection process that included opinions from experts, literature review based on relevance and applicability to different waste program settings. Eighteen indicators were selected and fitted into the DPSIR model. The model has indicators for causes, pressure, state, impact and response, where the status of each criterion is evaluated. This model will help decision makers optimize the

Solid Waste Management in a Mexican University Using a Community-Based Social Marketing Approach

Waste separation and recycling programs in higher education institutions requires an approach that reach people in different ways. Social marketing approach has proved to be effective in helping reach the desired change for very different initiatives. In this paper is presented a sixteen month experience of a paper and cardboard separation program at the Ensenada Campus of the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC). Although the support from the University authorities is important, through different experiences it was found that in UABC the programs that work better are the ones that do not depend on the work of personnel but on the participation of students and academic staff. To gain this participation the strategies used in social marketing were used. To date through UABC s paper and cardboard program the institution has diverted more than six tons of this type of waste from the main waste stream. Based on the evaluation of the program and on the increasing community response, it can be said that the social marketing strategies used in this program were successful.