Optimizing Municipal Solid Waste Management in Hangzhou: Analyzing Public Willingness to Pay for Circular Economy Strategies

Jiahao He, Shuwen Wu, Huifang Yu () and Chun Bao
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Jiahao He: College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Shuwen Wu: Department of Life and Environment Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu, Kitakyushu 808-0135, Japan
Huifang Yu: College of Art and Archaeology, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, China
Chun Bao: College of Arts, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-36

Abstract: Effective municipal solid waste (MSW) management is crucial for urban sustainability, especially in fast-growing cities, like Hangzhou, China. This study examines residents’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the following five key MSW measures: differentiated waste charging, smart recycling points, on-site organic waste recovery, volunteer-based waste sorting supervision, and a community self-governance fund. Based on a survey of 521 residents across 13 districts, we use logistic and interval regression models to identify factors influencing WTP and payment amounts. Key findings include the following: Higher-income and more educated residents prefer cost-efficient, technology-driven solutions, like smart recycling and differentiated charging. Newcomers (≤5 years of residence) show higher WTP and greater sensitivity to environmental information, highlighting the need for targeted outreach. Providing explicit environmental benefits (e.g., waste reduction, increased recycling) significantly boosts WTP rates and payment levels. Community characteristics matter—residents in high-density areas favor waste charging, while those in older neighborhoods support volunteer programs and self-governance funds. Policy implications center on targeted outreach, transparent fee structures, and incentive programs to foster public trust and enhance participation. Although MSW management in Hangzhou remains predominantly government-led, select collaboration with private enterprises (e.g., in specialized recycling services) may offer additional efficiency gains. By aligning these measures with localized preferences and demographic patterns, Hangzhou—and other quickly urbanizing regions—can develop robust and inclusive MSW systems that contribute to broader sustainable development objectives.

Keywords: municipal solid waste; willingness to pay; waste management; environmental awareness; community governance; recycling; Hangzhou (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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