Multi-agent behavior strategies of WEEE recycling considering public participation under environmental regulation: A perspective of dual governance

Abstract

To explore the dual management mechanism within the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) processing industry under environmental regulation, in this article we examine the role of public participation in supervision and incorporate degree variables into the strategic selections of national and local governments. Following this, we design a tripartite evolutionary game model, comprising the national government, local government, and recycler. We analyze the system stability strategies and conditions, and investigate the impact of pertinent factors on the behavior strategies of each subject. The findings reveal that adjusting the intensity of actions by both the national and local governments can significantly impact the time required for system stability, with changes in the regulatory intensity of the national government proving more effective. Active public participation emerges as a critical means to prompt proactive environmental measures by the local government and recycler. Intriguingly, increased public participation may drive the national government to opt for stricter regulatory strategies. Regarding the allocation ratio of special governance funds, an optimal value exists, and the local government can choose different ratios based on distinct objectives. In conclusion, to augment effective WEEE recycling management under environmental regulation, we make several recommendations. These include adjusting the allocation ratio of special governance funds and optimizing the penalty mechanism.