Socioeconomic Determinants of Sub-Dimensions of Recycling: Empirical Evidence on EU Countries

Abstract

Since the Industrial Revolution, the problems of waste and resource depletion caused by linear economic systems have given rise to the circular economy concept. Circular economy includes the principles of reduction, reuse and recycling. This ensures efficient use of natural resources and minimization of environmental impacts. Many studies have been conducted in the literature on the determinants of recycling. These studies are macro and micro scale. In macro-scale studies, socio-economic factors are frequently used as determinants of packaging waste recycling. However, there is no study examining all types of packaging waste simultaneously. This study examined the socio-economic determinants of 6 different packaging wastes. The data of 28 EU countries between 2015 and 2019 were examined using the panel data analysis method in 6 different models. Among the statistically significant models, in which paper and glass recycling rates are dependent variables, it has been concluded that R&D activities increase the recycling rate of the relevant materials. The positive effect of education on the recycling of glass waste is also included in the results of this study. The study also concluded that contrary to expectations, GDP reduces the recycling of plastic materials.

Keywords

• Circular Economy
• Recycling
• Panel Data

Geri Dönüşümün Alt Boyutlarının Sosyoekonomik Belirleyicileri: AB Ülkeleri Üzerine Ampirik Kanıtlar

Abstract

Sanayi Devrimi’nden bu yana, doğrusal ekonomik sistemlerin yol açtığı atık ve kaynak tükenmesi sorunları, döngüsel ekonomi kavramını ortaya çıkardı. Döngüsel ekonomi, azaltım, yeniden kullanma ve geri dönüşüm prensiplerini içermektedir. Böylece doğal kaynakların verimli kullanılması ve çevresel etkilerin en aza indirilmesi sağlanır. Geri dönüşümün belirleyicilerine yönelik literatürde pek çok çalışma yapılmıştır. Bu çalışmalar makro ve mikro ölçeklidir. Makro ölçekli çalışmalarda ambalaj atıklarının geri dönüşümünün belirleyicileri olarak sıklıkla sosyoekonomik faktörler kullanılmaktadır. Fakat ambalaj atıklarının her türünü aynı anda inceleyen çalışma bulunmamaktadır. Bu çalışmada 6 farklı ambalaj atığının sosyoekonomik belirleyicileri incelenmiştir. Kullanılan 6 farklı modelde 28 AB ülkesinin 2015-2019 yılları arasındaki verileri panel veri analiz yöntemi ile incelenmiştir. İstatistiki açıdan anlamlı çıkan modellerden kağıt ve cam geri dönüşüm oranlarının bağımlı değişken olduğu modellerde Ar&Ge faaliyetlerinin ilgili materyallerin geri dönüşüm oranını arttırdığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Cam atıklarının geri dönüşümünde eğitimin olumlu etkisi de bu çalışmanın sonuçları içerisinde yer almaktadır. Çalışmada ayrıca beklentilerin aksine GSYH’nın plastik malzemenin geri dönüşümünü azalttığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.

Keywords

• Döngüsel Ekonomi
• Geri Dönüşüm
• Panel Veri

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