The influencing factors of Harbin (China) residents’ satisfaction with municipal solid waste treatment

Abstract

China is experiencing an enormous increase in municipal household solid waste (MHSW) generation and is facing multiple problems associated with the treatment of MHSW. This paper analyses factors affecting residents’ satisfaction with MHSW treatment performance. Six factors were identified by the Delphi method: (a) pick-up frequency by waste collection vehicles, (b) fund supply situation, (c) charging standard for waste treatment, (d) waste bin arrangement, (e) laws and regulations, (f) publicity and education. We examine the significance of these six influencing factors, estimating binary logistic regression models. Data for this study are derived from the survey responses of 469 households in Harbin, one of the largest cities in northeast China. The results indicate that ‘pick-up frequency by waste collection vehicles’ is ranked the first and most important determinant of Harbin residents’ satisfaction with MHSW treatment; this is closely followed by ‘publicity and education’. The third and fourth significant influencing factors, respectively, are ‘fund supply situation’ and ‘charging standard for waste treatment’. The last two factors are ‘laws and regulations’ and ‘waste bin arrangement’. By understanding the influence of various factors on residents’ satisfaction, this study aims to help in designing an effective waste management system to reduce the cost of MHSW management, and to raise the residents’ satisfaction with municipal solid waste treatment. Based on the research findings, we advocate that establishing a reasonable waste transport (pick-up) system as well as strengthening publicity and education of waste management are key to improving residents’ satisfaction with the MHSW treatment performance.

Quantifying Factors Affecting Satisfaction of People to Waste Classification at Source: The Case of Hai Chau District, Da Nang

“…Over time, propaganda and education on the mass media such as DRT, Da Nang newspaper, ..., or having meetings of residential blocks for reference and discussion in activities of waste sorting have made a significant contribution to the environmental quality. This clearly shows the responsibility of the city in social management in general and environmental management in particular [17]. Thus, this has created more trust, satisfaction, and support of the people with the movements proposed by the city.…”

“…People"s expectations are a type of pre-performed belief about a good or service [15]. The quality of waste classification service at source refers to the frequency of collection, the time of garbage collection, and the arrangement of the garbage bins [16], [17]. The quality of waste treatment services in the community has to meet people"s expectations [8]- [10].…”

“…Döberl et al (2002) [23] and Khan et al (2012) [24] suggested that the level of government investment in waste treatment significantly affects people"s satisfaction with the implementation of household waste treatment. Koo et al (2009) [25]and Chu et al (2021) [17] showed that the arrangement and deployment of garbage bins and other waste treatment facilities also affects residents" satisfaction with waste management efficiency. Hence, the following hypothesis is proposed:…”

“…This is consistent with Doberl et al (2002) [23] and Khan et al (2012) [24] that the level of government investment in waste treatment significantly affects the satisfaction of people from the implementation of household waste treatment. Koo et al (2009) [25] and Chu et al (2021) [17] showed that the arrangement and deployment of garbage bins and other waste disposal facilities also affected the satisfaction of residents from waste management efficiency. This result is also consistent with the survey of households in Hai Chau district, all of which said that the arrangement of garbage bins, reasonable classification as well as the frequency of collecting waste by trucks have most meaningful to waste classification of people.…”

A circular economy model for waste management in India

“…With the help of this model, the treatment methods and their capacity can be determined, indicating possible optimal design solutions and recommendations. Chu et al (2021) have identified the influencing factors of Harbin (China) residents' satisfaction with municipal solid waste treatment. Based on their research, they have advocated that establishing a reasonable waste transport and education of waste management are key to improving residents' satisfaction with the municipal household solid waste treatment performance.…”