Strategies to Strengthen Integrated Solid Waste Management in Small Municipalities

Many developing countries have problems associated with waste management; therefore, this research aims to propose strategies for waste management in small municipalities (less than 50,000 inhabitants), pointing out the importance of involving the stakeholders responsible for improving each phase of this process. The methodology consisted of carrying out a diagnosis to show the current situation at the national, state, and municipal levels, as well as several strategies. The results revealed that in Mexico the waste management system consists of a collection and final disposal model, while waste recovery and treatment are incipient. To strengthen integrated waste management in small municipalities, the strategies proposed in this research consider higher budgets by the federal government to enable an infrastructure for collection, treatment, and final disposal, allowing waste valorization. Other strategies consist of improving coordination between the different stakeholders involved, based on actions by federal, state, and municipal authorities to promote the participation of the social, service, productive, and educational sectors, through public policies, as well as formal incorporation of scavengers and the formation of inter-municipal associations responsible for waste management. Among the conclusions, it is highlighted that the implementation of these strategies will favor the transition towards a circular economy model for small municipalities.