Improvements in Urban Solid Waste Management: An Economic Valuation Analysis Using Choice Experiments in the City of Sullana, Piura

Abstract

The increase in the generation of solid waste in the city of Sullana represents a latent problem due to inadequate waste management, a situation that tends to worsen due to population growth, accelerated urbanisation, increased production and changes in consumption patterns, generating negative impacts on the environment and public health. The objective of the study was to assess citizen perception of current solid waste management, identify preferences for attributes proposed as policy alternatives for improvement, and estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) for such improvements through different intervention options. For this purpose, descriptive statistics and the method of economic valuation by choice experiments were employed, using discrete choice models, specifically the conditional logit and mixed logit models, estimated by maximum likelihood. A structured survey was applied to a random sample, resulting in 383 users in the urban area. The results show that the population of Sullana is aware of the solid waste problem, has a positive attitude and is willing to pay for improvement policies. Among the options evaluated, the attributes of waste minimisation and segregation at source, as well as incentives for neighbours to participate in selective collection programmes, are the ones that generate the greatest social benefits. It is concluded that users perceive an increase in their well-being when moving from a current poor situation to improved waste management.