Solid waste management in China: Policy and driving factors in 2004–2019

Abstract

Solid waste management is directly or indirectly influenced by the government policies and the development of economics and technology. This research analyzed the statistics of domestic waste, industrial solid waste, and hazardous waste in China from 2004 to 2019, to find out the factors affecting solid waste management in developing countries, such as China. China has experienced the exploration of solid waste recycling, harmless treatment, resource utilization, and source reduction, and has been constantly improving its management system. The transformation of industrial structure would change the generation and treatment structure of industrial solid waste. The urbanization tended to reduce the output of domestic waste per unit GDP. Solid waste reduction, energy consumption reduction, and carbon emission reduction are synchronous, requiring capital investment and the support of technology. Technology and investments in environmental pollution control have directly promoted the reduction of solid waste, and the development of technology can reduce the investment to a certain extent. In order to handle the environmental problems caused by solid waste, decision-making process should consider the needs of economic and social development.