Willingness to Pay For Solid Waste Management in Residential Condominiums: A Case Study With A Focus on the Financial Sustainability of the Municipal Budget of Vitória-ES

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the willingness to pay (WTP) for Domestic Solid Waste management services in residential buildings in Vitória-ES, as well as to estimate their financial impact within the Solid Waste Management (SWM). Theoretical Framework: The demand for the universalization of SWM services compromises the municipal budget, and it is essential to evaluate new charging strategies to guarantee economic and financial sustainability. Method: Through the application of a questionnaire, the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) was used, as well as a case study in the city of Vitória/ES. Results and Discussion: 58% of residents were willing to pay for SWM services, with an average monthly value of US$5.95 per household unit and stated that promoting information about the service would promote an 48% increase in this value. If classified as large generators, the transfer of responsibility for waste management in condominiums with more than 46 apartments, could relieve almost 19% of the entire cost of SWM services in the city of Vitória. Research Implications: It is evident the need to improve SWM charging policies for large generators, such as residential buildings, which can consider political and regulatory aspects, the WTP of the target audience, as well as information dissemination and social mobilization. Originality/Value: The research results contribute to expanding the modalities of charging policies for SWM services, with the classification of residential condominiums as large generators.