Examining the Effectiveness of a Pilot Waste Classification Policy in Facilitating the Low-Carbon Transition Regarding Solid Waste in China

The pilot waste classification policy is pivotal in tackling the challenges associated with the decarbonization of solid waste disposal in China; nevertheless, the efficacy of these pilot policies continues to be a topic of ongoing debate. This study presents a novel methodology utilizing an advanced difference-in-differences model, drawing on panel data from 297 cities for the period of 2016 to 2020, encompassing various types of municipal solid wastes and their corresponding carbon emissions. By integrating the waste classification performance as an intermediary variable, this research distinctly investigates how these policies facilitate the transition towards a low-carbon economy. The key findings indicate the following: (1) The implementation of pilot waste classification policies significantly accelerates the low-carbon transition of municipal solid waste disposal, with results substantiated through rigorous empirical testing. (2) The mechanistic analysis reveals a marked efficiency enhancement in waste classification within megacities, resulting in a compensatory effect, while analogous policies do not yield performance improvements in small- and medium-sized cities. (3) The effects of waste classification policies exhibit variability across cities of differing scales, with scale particularly influencing the performance of waste classification, thereby emphasizing the necessity for city-specific strategies in policy execution. The contributions of this study are rooted in its methodological advancements and its sophisticated analysis of the varying effects of waste classification policies, providing critical insights for policymakers seeking to enhance the effects of low-carbon strategies within urban environments. However, it is important to note that the scope of this study is limited to China, and the findings may be most applicable to countries with similar waste management challenges.