Garbage source classification performance, impact factor, and management strategy in rural areas of China: A case study in Hangzhou

Abstract

Garbage classification and reduction is imperative in many developing countries, where the imbalance between the rapid growth of solid waste and insufficient disposal capacity can be challenging. In order to evaluate whether a novel ‘2 + T’ source classification method (biodegradable waste, other waste, and toxic waste) and three types of source classification and resourcing treatment patterns implemented in the rural areas of Hangzhou can be widely applied, field investigations, questionnaire interviews, and factor analysis were carried out comprehensively. By means of ‘2 + T’ source classification method, biodegradable waste, accounting for the largest proportion of rural domestic waste, can be effectively separated for the subsequent reduction and resource treatment. Classified deposition in the doorway and door-to-door collection of biodegradable and other wastes provided the best solution for the accuracy of source classification and public participation. Based on the analysis, appropriate classification methods and patterns, sustainable publicity and supervision of source classification behavior as well as sufficient financial support will be key factors for rural domestic waste classification and resourcing management. These methods have a great potential for promoting solid waste classification in the rural areas of China and in other developing countries.