Factors influencing the rate of sorted solid waste collection: An empirical analysis in Catalonian municipalities

Abstract

A study of the factors influencing the recycling behaviour is crucial to assess the current waste management schemes and to determine additional, appropriate policies to implement. By estimating several econometric models on longitudinal data of Catalonian municipal solid waste covering the period 2000-2019, we demonstrate and quantify the geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic determinants of sorted waste collection rates at a municipal level. With respect to women population, absence of children in the household, population density, education, income, presence of door-to-door collection services, and political preferences, the results are consistent with prior findings. However, new insights are obtained on the effects of geographic conditions, unemployment, and foreign population on recycling behaviours. The empirical evidence suggests that further recycling policies are needed to increase the rate of sorted waste collection rapidly enough to achieve the recycling goal set by the European Union legislation and the Spanish Waste Law. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of considering demographic trends and differences in recycling behaviour between social groups when tackling waste management issues.