Is there a waste Kuznets curve for OECD? Some evidence from panel analysis.

Abstract

We empirically investigated the existence of a Kuznets curve for OECD area in terms of municipal solid waste generation by utilizing a panel data covering the 2002-2017 period. Results from GMM and between estimators conclude that an inverted U-shaped Kuznets relationship holds for OECD countries, but only in relative terms. Results show that consumption expenditure is one of the main drivers of waste generation. Country-based estimations of random coefficient approach state that 8 out of 16 high-income countries and only 2 out of low-income countries have achieved decoupling the waste generation from consumption expenditures. Some policy implications are recommended.