Bases y perspectivas de la potencial regulación para la gestión integral de residuos de construcción en Costa Rica

Abstract

Construction and demolition waste constitutes an important part of the total solid waste generated worldwide. Costa Rica must improve the level of management of this type of waste, because although there is a general level regulation, there is a lack of specific regulations that guide towards the correct management. In Latin America several countries have legislation that can be a reference for the country and based on it define the most important variables to include for the case in Costa Rica. The objective of this research was to determine these variables and evaluate the position of construction companies about a future regulation. A documentary analysis combined with a perception consultation to representatives of waste generators, were used in order to triangulate the information and define the main guidelines to include in a potential regulation. It was possible to determine that there is little management culture in the construction sector for dealing with its waste, but there is an awareness of the need to manage it in the best way. In addition, common guidelines were defined in the regulations of the reference countries that can be adapted to the national context and that would be well received in the sector.