Resumen

VILCHIS PEREZ, Trinidad Esmeralda et al. Social significance of waste management in educational institutions in Mexico. Rev. Int. Contam. Ambient [online]. 2026, vol.42, 55511.  Epub 17-Abr-2026. ISSN 0188-4999.  https://doi.org/10.20937/rica.55511.

This study examines the role of socio-environmental psychology in implementing the Strategic Zero Waste Program (BaCE), focusing on comprehensive municipal solid waste management in educational and governmental institutions in Mexico. Through a mixed-methods approach (quantitative and qualitative) based on descriptive statistics and content analysis, values, beliefs, norms, and attitudes influencing waste management practices in different contexts were identified. The results show that although educational institutions have greater awareness of the problem, governmental institutions still display a limited perception of environmental issues. The BaCE Program seeks to transform waste management practices toward a more sustainable model by promoting biospheric and altruistic values, strengthening environmental norms, and raising awareness of the consequences of improper disposal. This approach, supported by participatory diagnostics such as the Initial Diagnostic Survey (EDI), enables the design of strategies tailored to each institution’s needs and capacities. The analysis revealed that the most common waste types are food scraps and napkins, reflecting deficient consumption and management practices. Positive beliefs and attitudes, although predominant, are limited by selfish values and poorly internalized norms. This study concludes that BaCE can be a key tool to foster a culture of institutional sustainability, highlighting the importance of combining psychosocial and structural approaches in waste management.

Palabras llave : Zero Waste Strategic Program; socio-environmental psychology; comprehensive waste management.

        · resumen en Español     · texto en Español     · Español ( pdf )