Program on the Environment

Few communities within the Madre de Dios region of Peru are recognized by local governments, and fewer still are allocated the necessary resources to meet basic needs such as waste management. The aim of this study is to develop a toolkit that can be used by these communities to understand aspects of waste management including: 1) waste quantity; 2) waste composition; 3) water contamination and 4) community perspectives on waste management. The damaging effects of absent waste management and unsustainable landfills affect the environmental, social, and economic sectors of the surrounding environment. To raise awareness of waste management and find tangible solutions, the Waste Management Toolkit includes waste auditing, water sampling, and mentality survey strategies which were conducted in three remote communities, as well as within the Las Piedras Muncipality. Results show evidence of both human and environmental health impacts from improper waste management due to burning, burial, and dumping practices. Mentality surveys have shown distrust in the local municipalities, a lack of education when it comes to waste management practices and impacts, as well as district-wide absence of infrastructure to support waste systems. The Waste Management Toolkit has led successfully to the implementation of improved waste management in three communities (Lucerna, Puerto Nuevo, and Boca Pariamanu), which have become pioneers within the region. Future endeavors will include the replication of the Waste Management Toolkit in surrounding communities and municipalities.