Resumo

VILELA-SABANDO, Joselyn Roxanna; GARCIA-ARIAS, Fausto Ricardo; JIMENEZ-ZAMBRANO, Angélica Roxanna  e  NIETO-CANARTE, Carlos Alberto. Eco-efficient management of plastic waste in the urban area of Velasco Ibarra parish, El Empalme cantón. e-Rev. Multidiscip. Saber [online]. 2026, vol.4, e-RMS05032026.  Epub 18-Maio-2026. ISSN 2960-2467.  https://doi.org/10.61286/e-rms.v4i.366.

The comprehensive management of solid waste in the Velasco Ibarra parish of El Empalme faces a critical challenge characterized by a linear engineering model with a daily generation of 41.48 tons and a marked disconnection between operational infrastructure and the culture of citizen segregation, resulting in high disposal costs and significant environmental risks. Given this problem, the objective of this research was to identify the social responsibility factors and eco-efficiency indicators that influence the management of plastic waste to promote territorial sustainability. The methodology consisted of a descriptive and correlational study with a mixed approach, applying surveys to a representative sample of 402 inhabitants and conducting a technical-economic diagnosis of municipal operations and local recycling centers. The results revealed a population with high potential for adaptability due to its young profile (51.99%) and higher education level (57.46%); however, a critical information gap was detected, as 66.41% are unaware of local ordinances. Despite this, there is a significant correlation (p = 0.0493) between waste generation and the willingness to pay for efficient management. It is concluded that eco-efficiency in the parish is viable through the formalization of alliances with private collection centers and the implementation of institutional communication strategies that transform passive social responsibility into active participation, allowing for the reduction of the operational deficit and an effective transition toward a sustainable circular economy model.

Palavras-chave : eco-efficiency; waste management; plastics; social responsibility; circular economy; urban sustainability.

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