Nonlinear impact of municipal solid waste recycling and energy efficiency on environmental performance and economic growth: evidence from non-parametric causality-in-quantiles.

Abstract

Waste recycling significantly contributes to reducing carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases, leading to enhanced environmental performance and safeguards natural resources. Therefore, this study examines municipal solid waste recycling and energy efficiency's impact on the environmental performance and economic well-being of the USA. Some studies have emphasized the usefulness of MSW and its indicators, but most of them are survey-based and illustrate the scientific process of disposing of waste. Hence, the study intends to analyze the connection among considered variables using the recently developed and advanced estimation procedure of nonparametric causality in quantile approach by analyzing the quarterly dataset for 1990(Q1) till 2018(Q4). Through this technique, we have examined the causal relationships in different quantiles. The causality-in-quantile outcome indicates the acceptance of the null hypothesis in different quantiles, especially at low and high tail quantiles, while at some quantiles, the null hypothesis rejection is highlighted. This study suggests valuable implications for future studies, government, environmentalists, and policymakers.