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Systems Thinking and Solid Waste Management in Puerto Rico: Feedback Loops over Time

Author

Listed:
  • Amanda Brinton

    (School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA)

  • Timothy G. Townsend

    (Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA)

  • David C. Diehl

    (Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA)

  • Katherine Deliz Quiñones

    (Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-6450, USA)

  • Mark M. Lichtenstein

    (SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), Syracuse, NY 13210, USA)

Abstract

This article uses a systems-thinking framework to analyze Puerto Rico’s solid waste system. Our findings were based on 36 semi-structured interviews from stakeholders that work within the solid waste system. Interviewees represented businesses, advocacy organizations, a university, and government agencies, including municipal, central, and federal government. This research is unique because it focuses on a case study using a historical lens to explore the policies and stakeholder dynamics that shape a system’s behavior, where the behavior is in reference to the flows of discarded materials either entering the circular economy or the island’s waste disposal facilities. Through our research, we found that Puerto Rico’s overall solid waste system is stalled within a balancing feedback loop where policies and dynamics have taken place that have created resistance to efforts to improve the current situation. In our discussion, we reflect on the policies and stakeholder dynamics that have caused this balancing feedback loop and make recommendations to better support a reinforcing feedback loop that will lead to changes to achieve Puerto Rico’s solid waste disposal and recycling plans and goals required to foster a circular economy. This study can inform future policy making and institutional coordination efforts within Puerto Rico and abroad.

Suggested Citation

  • Amanda Brinton & Timothy G. Townsend & David C. Diehl & Katherine Deliz Quiñones & Mark M. Lichtenstein, 2023. "Systems Thinking and Solid Waste Management in Puerto Rico: Feedback Loops over Time," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-19, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:5:p:4648-:d:1088671
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Walter R. Stahel, 2016. "The circular economy," Nature, Nature, vol. 531(7595), pages 435-438, March.
    2. Ljiljana Rodić & David C. Wilson, 2017. "Resolving Governance Issues to Achieve Priority Sustainable Development Goals Related to Solid Waste Management in Developing Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-18, March.
    3. Kelly Levin & Benjamin Cashore & Steven Bernstein & Graeme Auld, 2012. "Overcoming the tragedy of super wicked problems: constraining our future selves to ameliorate global climate change," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 45(2), pages 123-152, June.
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