ENVIRONMENTAL PERCEPTION OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF PATZCUARO REGION, MEXICO

Patzcuaro Lake, placed in the lacustrine zone of Michoacan (central Mexico), has four municipalities around its shoreline, and is an important tourist attraction in the region. Because the area is predominantly rural it lacks many efficient public services, amount them adequate management of solid wastes that is reflected in the insufficient collection services and lack of landfills in the area. The object of this research was to determine the local environmental perception of the current solid waste management in the area. A survey that included economic, social, demographic and environmental aspects was carried out in nine villages of the region. Eleven variables were significantly related, using a chi square test. Seventy percent of the interviewed population belonged to the female gender. Concerning income and dwelling type, it was revealed that there was no direct relation. The presence and uses of patios (courtyards), as reported by questionnaires, revealed that these continue to be alternative places for organic wastes generated in the household. Obtained answers disclosed that, when declaring the problem that domestic solid waste generates or the choice of refuse disposal, genders tend to agree. Results suggest that the area has a specific environmental perception, as confirmed by the analysis of significantly related variables. This last statement is a key in taking into account the implementation of solid waste management programs. It is evident that the pure application of a program developed for an urban area, will fail in this lacustrine region.