AGRICULTURAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY IN THE PI- MOCHA PARISH, LOS RÍOS PROVINCE, ECUADOR

Inadequate management of agricultural solid waste is detrimental to both the health of living beings and the properties of the soil, resulting in the infertility of contaminated land. Since agriculture is the main generator of solid waste, both hazardous and non-hazardous, it is crucial to implement proper management in rural areas. The objective of this study is to analyze the management of agricultural solid waste in the parish of Pimocha, located in the Babahoyo canton of Los Rios province, Ecuador. The research is based on the qualitative approach, collecting non-standardized information through surveys and non-experimental interviews conducted with residents of the rural areas of Pimocha Parish. The results of this study highlight the risks and challenges associated with inadequate management of agricultural waste, including environmental contamination, non-compliance with regulations, lack of knowledge about proper waste treatment, and low recycling rate. It is of vital importance to promote proper management of these wastes, encouraging prevention, reuse, recycling and compliance with established regulations to safeguard the environment and public health.