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Addressing community oppositions in biowaste incineration infrastructure: Key factors and strategic solutions for a sustainable circular bioeconomy

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  • Cai, Zhongcheng
  • Liu, Yong
  • Shen, Ye
  • Skitmore, Martin
  • Yu, Shiwang

Abstract

The rapid urbanisation in China has substantially increased municipal waste generation, with biowaste comprising the largest portion. Due to its high organic content, biowaste can be recycled or incinerated to produce bioenergy, making incineration a predominant waste treatment method. However, biowaste incineration facilities have often raised community-level concerns due to worries about environmental pollution and public health risks. These issues are typically classified as “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) conflicts in public management. Despite the prominence of these conflicts, research lacks a comprehensive examination of their key driving factors. This study addresses this gap by systematically investigating the primary risk factors underlying NIMBY incidents associated with biowaste incineration infrastructure.

Suggested Citation

  • Cai, Zhongcheng & Liu, Yong & Shen, Ye & Skitmore, Martin & Yu, Shiwang, 2025. "Addressing community oppositions in biowaste incineration infrastructure: Key factors and strategic solutions for a sustainable circular bioeconomy," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceps:v:99:y:2025:i:c:s0038012125000643
    DOI: 10.1016/j.seps.2025.102215
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