Municipal solid waste dynamics: Economic, environmental, and technological determinants in Europe

Abstract

This study examines the factors driving municipal solid waste generation in 33 European countries from 1995 to 2021. Using the STIRPAT model, the research assesses the influence of economic and environmental variables on municipal solid waste generation, analyzing data on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Research and Development expenditure, tourism, trade volume, renewable energy adoption, and service sector growth. To count for cross-sectional dependence in the data, the study employs Driscoll Kraay Standard Error and performs quantile regression as a robustness test to capture variations across different levels of municipal solid waste generation. The findings reveal a positive relationship between GDP, the service sector, and municipal waste, indicating that economic growth and expansion in European countries increase waste. Conversely, tourism, trade, and renewable energy adoption negatively correlate with municipal waste, suggesting these factors can reduce waste. The study offers policy recommendations for European policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to develop effective and sustainable waste management strategies, contributing to Europe's broader goal of environmental sustainability.

Keywords

• Circular economy
• Clean energy
• Municipal waste management
• Research and development
• Sustainable tourism
• Trade and waste generation