Assessment of a Recycling System : The City of Buenos Aires

Abstract: Recycling is an increasingly important part of waste management, as a measure to reduce the issues connected to the growing amount of waste in the world. An official recycling scheme has recently been implemented in the city of Buenos Aires in Argentina as a way to reduce the amount of waste that is being landfilled. The aim of this study is to assess the recycling system, using the holistic approach of Integrated Sustainable Waste Management (ISWM), and establish the main influencing factors and their correlated issues. The purpose of the study is to contribute to sustainability within the area of waste management and provide a basis that can be used for future research and suggestions. The methodology included a literature review and background research, field studies and data collection. The study includes the elements of waste generation, primary disposal, collection, treatment and final disposal. It was found that the main factors that are influencing the recycling system concern technological focus, misinterpreted drivers underlying the system, conflicts between stakeholders and a lack of systematicity and flexibility. The conclusion finds that the recycling system is still in its early stage, but in need of improvements and would benefit from the more holistic approach of Integrated Sustainable Waste Management.