A study on the impact of China’s urbanization on the quantity of municipal solid waste produced

Abstract

Based on the IPAT model, this study selects the two-order lag period that is then applied to the dynamic model created to explore the impact of China’s urbanization on the quantity of municipal solid waste (MSW) produced. The study uses panel data collected from 27 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China that report directly to the central government. Results show that nationwide urbanization and urban per capita disposable income are positively correlated with the quantity of MSW produced. However, specifically, urbanization in the eastern and midwestern areas of China is insignificantly correlated with the quantity of MSW produced. It is, therefore, recommended that citizens should make sensible and environmental consumption decisions based on per capita disposable income. It is also suggested that quality development and Stead’s urbanization plan should become national policy, and that MSW categorization and a recycling policy should be implemented to treat MSW effectively.