Evaluation of the household solid waste mandatory sorting policy in Shanghai: A 1-year public opinion survey

Abstract

Sustainable management of household solid waste (HSW) is an essential step in realizing the development of a circular economy (CE). However, for many developing countries, HSW sorting is evolving incrementally, and focusing on the intervention role of policy and the sorting behaviour of residents can help achieve sustainable waste management. This study aims to investigate the main determinants of residents’ HSW sorting behaviour and how policy particularly contributes to it. Drawing upon the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and incorporating experiences, a conceptual framework is tested on a sample of Chinese residents in Shanghai ( n = 560, from November to December 2020) using structural equation modelling analysis. The empirical results show that experience and behavioural intention greatly influence HSW sorting behaviour. Moreover, the positive attitude of residents promotes the success of HSW sorting. Subjective norms and perceived behaviour control indirectly affect behavioural intention and behaviour via attitude. The findings of this study provide policymakers with critical factors for the successful implementation of HSW sorting. We also propose policy implications to maintain and improve sorting efficiency from the perspective of residents (education, communication and publicity), neighbourhood committees (degree and efficiency of supervision) and property management companies (good infrastructure, services and processes).

Does the new municipal solid waste management regulation promote residents’ waste separation behaviour? Evidence from survey data in Beijing, China

“…Mandatory waste separation policies are important for activating public participation in waste separation (Chen et al, 2022). Empirical studies have confirmed the success of mandatory waste separation policy in Shanghai, which is the garbage classification pilot city in China (Liu et al, 2023;Wang et al, 2021), and it is found that mandatory waste separation policies can promote residents' willingness of waste separation (Li et al, 2020a). Therefore, the research hypothesis H2 is proposed.…”

“…Existing literature of residents' WSB usually focus on the individual influencing factors with the planned behaviour theory to explore the determinants of WSB, including attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behaviour control (Hu et al, 2021;Liu et al, 2023;Wang et al, 2020b). The habitual factor referred as the previous behaviours or habits is an important factor affecting waste sorting behaviour (Pakpour et al, 2014;Tang et al, 2023).…”

The Effect of Waste Management Technology, Recycling Policy, and Community Participation on Waste Generation Reduction in East Java

“…By implementing comprehensive policy measures, such as landfill bans, landfill taxes, and deposit refund schemes, these countries have been able to divert waste from landfills and incineration towards energy recovery and recycling [19]. The success of recycling policies also depends on factors such as the initial establishment of recycling facilities, pilot city initiatives, and per capita GDP [20]. Overall, recycling policies play a crucial role in shaping waste management practices and can contribute to the development of a sustainable and circular economy [21].…”

A comparative study of factors influencing residents' waste sorting behavior in urban and rural areas of China

“…According to TPB, behavioral attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, all have an impact on a person's purpose [ 11 ]. Within the TPB's framework, several scholars have investigated the WSB of residents in different regions of China and concluded that subjective norms, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control all promote the generation of residents' intention to sort waste [ 4 , 10 , 12 ], but some scholars believe that subjective norms have a negative influence [ 7 ]. Numerous research has demonstrated the feasibility of the TPB for predicting WSB [ 13 , 14 ].…”