The Generation and Effects for Recyclable Waste from Households in a Megapolis: A Case Study in Shanghai

Chaojie Yu, Junqing Xu, Aihua Zhao, Peiyuan Xiao, Jun Tai, Zhujie Bi and Guangming Li
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Chaojie Yu: College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Junqing Xu: College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Aihua Zhao: Shanghai Chengtou Group Corporation, Shanghai 200020, China
Peiyuan Xiao: College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Jun Tai: Shanghai Environmental Sanitary Engineering Design Institute Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200232, China
Zhujie Bi: Shanghai Environmental Sanitary Engineering Design Institute Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200232, China
Guangming Li: College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 13, 1-14

Abstract: Shanghai is one of the world-leading megapolises facing the challenge of ecological sustainable development. The recyclable waste from households (RWH) generated in Shanghai has increased rapidly since the implementation of garbage classification in 2019. However, there are no rigorous data on the generation and collection of RWH, and the corresponding countermeasures are required to be studied. This paper attempted to investigate RWH generation and identify the effects of RWH recycling in Shanghai. We used questionnaires combined with a field survey to investigate the competent authorities and leading recycling enterprises to analyze the characteristics of RWH generation. We conducted a monthly survey of 52 leading recycling enterprises in 11 typical districts for 2020. We also identified the main influencing factors of RWH generation using a multiple linear regression model. In addition, we popularized the model to estimate Shanghai’s RWH generation rate. Results show that data from leading recycling enterprises surveys were more accurate and reached a maximum of 82,104.77 kg/cap/month in November 2020. Higher RWH generation was found in suburban districts at 36,396.20 kg/cap/month. Shanghai’s RWH generation rate was 6253.60 t/d through model calculation. The educational level of household managers, regional economic condition, resident population, and disposable income impact RWH generation. Based on the abovementioned results, the implications for RWH management were discussed. We propose to promote the combination of theoretical simulation and information data platform construction. Meanwhile, it is also necessary to improve the capacity of the collection and transport system and accelerate the construction of pre-treatment bases in Shanghai.

Keywords: ecology; recyclable waste from households; generation; recycling; effect; Shanghai (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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