The Generation and Effects for Recyclable Waste from Households in a Megapolis: A Case Study in Shanghai

Abstract

Shanghai is one of the world-leading megapolises facing the challenge of ecological sustainable development. The recyclable waste from households (RWH) generated in Shanghai has increased rapidly since the implementation of garbage classification in 2019. However, there are no rigorous data on the generation and collection of RWH, and the corresponding countermeasures are required to be studied. This paper attempted to investigate RWH generation and identify the effects of RWH recycling in Shanghai. We used questionnaires combined with a field survey to investigate the competent authorities and leading recycling enterprises to analyze the characteristics of RWH generation. We conducted a monthly survey of 52 leading recycling enterprises in 11 typical districts for 2020. We also identified the main influencing factors of RWH generation using a multiple linear regression model. In addition, we popularized the model to estimate Shanghai’s RWH generation rate. Results show that data from leading recycling enterprises surveys were more accurate and reached a maximum of 82,104.77 kg/cap/month in November 2020. Higher RWH generation was found in suburban districts at 36,396.20 kg/cap/month. Shanghai’s RWH generation rate was 6253.60 t/d through model calculation. The educational level of household managers, regional economic condition, resident population, and disposable income impact RWH generation. Based on the abovementioned results, the implications for RWH management were discussed. We propose to promote the combination of theoretical simulation and information data platform construction. Meanwhile, it is also necessary to improve the capacity of the collection and transport system and accelerate the construction of pre-treatment bases in Shanghai.

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How Can Variable Charging of Household Waste Be Accepted across Multiple Stakeholders Using Evolutionary Game Theory Coupled with Multiobjective Optimization

“…Shanghai was the first megacity in China to introduce compulsory sorting of household waste but has not yet made a charging system for residents. Since 2019, the city has consistently maintained a standardized waste-sorting rate over 95% . Despite the fact that the waste-sorting policy has slowed the growth rate of waste generation in Shanghai, the amount generated in 2021 reached a record high of 9.55 million tons .…”

“…Since 2019, the city has consistently maintained a standardized waste-sorting rate over 95%. 23 Despite the fact that the waste-sorting policy has slowed the growth rate of waste generation in Shanghai, the amount generated in 2021 reached a record high of 9.55 million tons. 24 Therefore, the municipality issued Regulations on Household Waste Management in Shanghai in 2019, which suggested a plan to establish a variable charging system for residents to restrain household waste generation.…”