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A Flexible and Sustainable Analysis of Waste Efficiency at the European Level

Author

Listed:
  • Idiano D’Adamo

    (University of Rome “La Sapienza”)

  • Cinzia Daraio

    (University of Rome “La Sapienza”)

  • Simone Di Leo

    (University of Rome “La Sapienza”)

  • Léopold Simar

    (Université Catholique de Louvain)

Abstract

This paper analyses the waste management efficiency of European Union countries using a flexible nonparametric methodology known as directional data envelopment analysis (DEA). The study evaluates performance at the macro (country) level, considering waste generated as input, landfilled and incinerated waste as bad output and recycled waste as output. The analysis incorporates the heterogeneity and specificities of each country, with respect to social and economic sustainability, establishing specific and realistic targets for each country to achieve efficiency. The research introduces a flexible and innovative method for assessing waste management efficiency and provides new empirical evidence on European waste management, considering economic and social sustainability. The results reveal a significant disparity among European countries in both waste generation and waste recycling. Countries are categorised into five groups according to their level of efficiency, and Central European nations are observed to exhibit generally better performance. A pragmatic approach, based on clear collaboration among countries, could optimise the unique waste management characteristics of individual nations to enhance the overall efficiency of the European waste management system, contributing to a circular economy and sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Idiano D’Adamo & Cinzia Daraio & Simone Di Leo & Léopold Simar, 2024. "A Flexible and Sustainable Analysis of Waste Efficiency at the European Level," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 25(4), pages 881-894, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:gjofsm:v:25:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1007_s40171-024-00416-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s40171-024-00416-w
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Circular economy; DEA; Flexible management; Nonparametric efficiency; Sustainable development; Waste management;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy

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