Planteamiento de una estrategia integral de sostenibilidad para la gestión de residuos sólidos en zonas rurales: caso del corregimiento Cruces en el municipio de Dabeiba – Antioquia

Abstract

This research describes the problem of the current management of solid waste in the Cruces district of the municipality of Dabeiba – Antioquia, where the local government does not provide waste collection services. As a result, residents have adopted various disposal practices, with open burning being the most prevalent. The overall objective was to design a comprehensive sustainability strategy to strengthen solid waste management, based on a diagnosis of current practices and the environmental, social and economic factors in the rural context. The methodology employed a mixed-methods approach, using techniques such as direct observation, surveys administered to households in the district, and a participatory workshop with students from the local educational institution. The results revealed a lack of knowledge about proper waste management, the presence of environmentally unsound practices, and a high level of community willingness to participate in collective solutions. Based on these findings, a strategy was proposed that focuses on environmental education, the participation of various stakeholders, and the promotion of sustainability and circular economy principles. It is concluded that strengthening solid waste management requires not only technical solutions, but also sustained educational and participatory processes that transform behaviors and promote community actions tailored to the district.