Diagnóstico de la gestión de los residuos y aparatos eléctricos y electrónicos en desuso recolectados por la Municipalidad de Ambato

Abstract

This study conducted an evaluation of the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in disuse collected by the municipality of Ambato, as well as a proposal to improve the management of electrical and electronic waste, including circular economy criteria. For this purpose, the qualitative and quantitative collection and analysis of WEEE management was carried out by applying interviews, observation techniques contrasting with the review of scientific articles, books and journals; likewise, WEEE collection data for the period 2017-2021 was obtained and the evaluation of environmental impacts was developed through the cause and effect methodology. In this way, it was determined that the management of WEEE in disuse collected by the municipality of Ambato clearly showed a deficiency in the collection and management in the different areas of the city of Ambato, which has led these wastes to be managed informally being a reason for the implementation of door-to door collection modalities by informal recyclers. With respect to the WEEE characterization, electronic devices and telecommunication equipment are the most frequently generated in the city of Ambato, and the values obtained have led to a growth in the consumption rates of electrical appliances and in turn the amount of waste in the environment. Likewise, the lack of criteria to promote the circular economy in the management of WEEE was also evidenced. For which it is recommended that the municipality create specific regulations, capacity building processes and improvements in management mechanisms to promote the reduction, repair and recovery of these devices; to promote a more circular and sustainable model in the city of Ambato.