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Waste Management. The Disconnection between Normative and SMEs Reality

Author

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  • Francisco Javier Villegas Pinuer

    (Department of Business, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain)

  • Joan Llonch Andreu

    (Department of Business, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain)

  • Pilar López Belbeze

    (Department of Business, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain)

  • Leslier Valenzuela-Fernández

    (Department of Administration, School of Economics and Business, University of Chile, Santiago 8330015, Chile)

Abstract

Waste generation is a critical factor in global environmental degradation, where SMEs have been historically relevant yet underestimated. This study covers the issue of the disconnection between the normative and SMEs reality. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the relationship between waste management norms and their application in Chilean SMEs. For context, Chile is the nation that generates the most amount of waste per capita in the region. Nevertheless, the country also has one of the most rigorous waste frameworks in the region, by means of the Extended Responsibility Producer (ERP) law, which has been gradually implemented since 2016. Data for the study were collected through in-depth interviews with 25 SMEs. The results show the practical limitations of SMEs in complying with the waste law, the lack of traceability in the waste management system, and the need for economic support and technical assistance to improve the use and management of sustainable raw materials. Therefore, this study contributes to the limited knowledge of how SMEs implement waste management norms and their importance in diminishing waste generation and promoting waste hierarchy.

Suggested Citation

  • Francisco Javier Villegas Pinuer & Joan Llonch Andreu & Pilar López Belbeze & Leslier Valenzuela-Fernández, 2021. "Waste Management. The Disconnection between Normative and SMEs Reality," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-20, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:1787-:d:495070
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    1. Leslier Valenzuela-Fernández & Manuel Escobar-Farfán, 2022. "Zero-Waste Management and Sustainable Consumption: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Mapping Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-24, December.

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