Is waste generation de-linking from economic growth? Empirical evidence for EuropeMassimiliano Mazzanti Journal of Economic Methodology, 2008, vol. 15, issue 4, pages 287-291 Abstract: The article provides empirical evidence on the de-linking of waste generation from economic growth. The data used refer to the European countries. An investigation carried out into packaging and municipal waste indicators shows that any de-coupling which has eventually taken place has been of a relative nature. Estimated waste elasticities with respect to income highlight that a hypothetical turning point, that would eventually characterize a Kuznets curve for waste, is far from being reached. Europe thus appears to be lagging behind in the effort to invert the relationship between waste and income/consumption indicators. The lack of policy targets in reference to waste prevention at source, in addition to recovery/recycling goals, may be considered as a primary policy-related reason behind the absence of a stronger de-linking process for waste in Europe. The applied panel investigation, though informative since it refers to a homogenous regional area, reveals the need for further work, exploring de-linking processes that focus on specific materials and/or countries. Date: 2008 Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: http://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:taf:jecmet:v:15:y:2008:i:4:p:287-291 Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from Access Statistics for this article Journal of Economic Methodology is edited by Mark Blaug More articles in Journal of Economic Methodology from Taylor and Francis Journals |
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