Solid Waste Generation in Santa Clara, Circular Economy Challenges and Opportunities.

Abstract

The municipality of Santa Clara generate high volumes of waste with critical environmental impacts, requiring urgent strategies for reuse and recycling to achieve sustainability. The aim of this work is to implement circular economy indicators that optimize waste management and generate socio-economic benefits. The study characterized the current management system, identifying three major deficiencies: inadequate infrastructure, lack of an appropriate regulatory framework, and insufficient knowledge of circular economy concepts. Therefore, the circular economy indicators we proposed to improve efficiency in the system, reduce final disposal in landfills by 48%, and generate positive environmental and socio-economic impacts.

However, obstacles such as limited funding and low public awareness exist. To overcome these challenges, it we recommended to strengthen collaboration among the government, businesses, universities, and the community; implement educational campaigns; improve infrastructure; promote source separation; and adopt technologies for waste treatment, such as recycling and composting. With these strategies, Santa Clara will be able to transition towards a circular model, maximizing resource use and minimizing its environmental footprint.

Keywords: Circular Economy (CE); Urban Solid Waste (MSW); Disposal.