Assessment of solid plastic waste in the residential and commercial sectors of the city of Comayagua, Honduras

Abstract

This research evaluated solid plastic waste in the residential and commercial sectors of Comayagua, Honduras, through a quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive study involving surveys of 414 households and 304 businesses. Plastic predominates in the residential sector (41.99% of inorganic waste), only 35.1% separate waste, and most depend on municipal collection; even so, more than 70% showed a willingness to change habits and receive training. In the commercial sector, 90.8% use single-use plastics and 84% lack a management plan, although 69% are willing to receive training. It is concluded that current management is insufficient, but there is a high willingness to change, which represents an opportunity to move toward more sustainable plastic waste management in Comayagua.