Estudio de factibilidad para la implementación de un sistema contenerizado de recolección de residuos sólidos en el Cantón Tena

Abstract

This research evaluated the technical-economic, social, and environmental feasibility of implementing a containerized solid waste collection system in Tena canton. For this purpose, a diagnosis of the current system was carried out, considering service coverage, waste generation, available infrastructure, collection routes, operational resources, and the main weaknesses of the existing model. The results showed that the canton has an urban coverage of 86.50%, an average generation of 62.23 tons per day, and a per capita generation of 0.77 kg/inhabitant/day. However, problems were identified related to the deterioration of containers, low standardization of waste storage, lack of source separation, and absence of contingency plans for seasonal increases in waste generation. As an improvement alternative, an automated side-loading containerized management model was proposed, consisting of 110 containers, two collection trucks, one container-washing truck, optimized night routes, and operational and contingency protocols. The economic analysis determined a CAPEX of USD 1,034,303.30, an annual OPEX of USD 199,706.06, and an Equivalent Annual Cost of USD 322,861.39, which is lower than the cost of the current system. Therefore, the project is feasible, as it would reduce operating costs, improve urban sanitation, optimize the collection service, and strengthen the environmental sustainability of Tena canton.