Inadequate management of solid waste in the municipality of facatativá

Abstract

This study addressed the issue of poor management of urban solid waste in the municipality of Facatativá, Cundinamarca, with the aim of identifying the causes, consequences, and possible courses of action for this environmental problem. Using a mixed methodological approach, the research combined quantitative data on waste volume and final disposal with a qualitative thematic content analysis of official, academic, and statistical documents. Several emerging categories were identified during the investigation, including low environmental awareness among residents, disorganization among informal recyclers, limited impact of educational campaigns, and irresponsible waste disposal practices by the community. These findings underscore the urgent need for cultural and educational interventions, not just operational ones.

The results show that the 15% increase in solid waste between 2018 and 2023 has not been met with proportional improvements in recycling or source separation strategies. Thus, the initial hypothesis is confirmed: the inadequate waste management in Facatativá is directly related to the lack of environmental culture and the absence of formal integration of recyclers.

This article contributes to the local environmental discourse by offering an integrated and contextualized perspective on the problem. The findings aim to support the development of public policies that combine citizen education, institutional regulation, and structured support for informal recyclers