Diagnóstico del manejo de residuos sólidos en el parque histórico Guayaquil

This study was performed in Parque Historico Guayaquil (PHG), to diagnose waste management practices undertakenin said establishment. It was accomplished through the characterization of waste generation, verification of its managementaccording to environmental regulations, and by recommending alternatives for its optimum management.Qualitative and quantitative methods with a descriptive scope were used during research. Information was gatheredthrough visits and interviews with key individuals. Measurements were taken during eight weeks and identificationwas performed through a one-time sampling following national and international guidelines. Non-hazardous wastesreported an average of 452 kg and showed a direct relation between generation and the number of visitors. The onetimesamplings for hazardous and special waste ware reported at 7.5 kg and 20 kg respectively. Characterization bycategory corresponded to 5% to hazardous waste, 12% special waste and 83% non-hazardous waste. This last resultyielded in 45% of organic, 27% recyclables and 11% non-recyclables. The evaluation of environmental regulationsrevealed 36% compliance; therefore, PHG should consider resuming and implementing procedures that trigger comprehensivewaste management as well as obtaining environmental permits. Waste generation’s impacts should focusnot only in quantity but also in type and management practices. PHG has the infrastructure as well as the potential toturn into a replicable waste management model.Se realizó un diagnóstico del manejo de residuos sólidos del Parque Histórico Guayaquil (PHG) para determinar lageneración de residuos sólidos, verificar su gestión con base en la normativa y proponer alternativas viables paraun adecuado manejo, utilizando métodos cualitativo y cuantitativo con alcance descriptivo. Se realizaron entrevistasa actores clave. Los residuos se cuantificaron durante ocho semanas y la identificación cualitativa se realizó con unmuestreo puntual y lineamientos de normas nacionales e internacionales. Los desechos no peligrosos registraron 452kg en promedio semanal y mostraron una relación directa con el número de visitantes. Los desechos peligrosos pesaron7.5 kg y los especiales 20 kg. Las categorías por tipo de residuo fueron: 5% peligrosos, 12% especiales y 83%no peligrosos. De éstos, el 45% corresponde a orgánicos, 27% a reciclables y el 11% a no reciclables. Se determinó un36% de cumplimiento de 70 aspectos evaluados de la normativa ambiental aplicable, por lo que se debe implementarla gestión de residuos y obtener los permisos ambientales. El impacto ambiental por la generación de desechos nodebería enfocarse en la cantidad sino en su tipo y manejo. El PHG cuenta con infraestructura y potencial para convertirseen un modelo de gestión replicable