Crisis in Solid Waste Management: Is Puerto Rico Doing Enough to Solve the Problem?

Date of Award

5-1-2008

Document Type

Undergraduate Capstone Project

Degree Name

Master of Applied Science

Organizational Unit

University College, Environmental Policy and Management

Disciplines

Environmental Policy & Mgmt

First Advisor

John Hill

Keywords

Garbage, Incineration, Island, Management, Puerto Rico, Recycling, Solid waste, Source reduction, Waste

Abstract

Puerto Rico has a serious solid waste disposal problem. It is an intensive producer of solid waste, but has limited economic resources and areas for proper solid waste management. This project investigated the status of the solid waste management crisis through a review of existing studies, site visits, and a survey in the cities of MayagÌez and Cabo Rojo. Key findings include: (1) recycling rate is very low, (2) carelessness about proper solid waste management is present, (3) there is a need for solid waste management education, (4) solid waste disposal processes and technologies should be upgraded, and (5) source reduction is needed. Possible solutions were analyzed by taking into consideration Puerto Rico's unique characteristics and success of the solutions implemented in similar situations.

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

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