Understanding barriers and motivations in solid waste management from Malaysian industries: a comparative analysis

Ahmed Mansoor Soomro, Mohd Helmi Ali, Suhaiza Zailani, Ming-Lang Tseng, Zafir Mohd Makhbul

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The objective of this study is to explore the similarities and differences in the barriers and motivations between the plastic and resins and food and beverages industries as these two industries are the major contributors of solid waste in Malaysia. Prior studies are lacking with regard to explaining the barriers and motivations in solid waste management from the Malaysian context. This study is focused on 10 firms from the plastics and resins industry and 9 from the food and beverages industry in Malaysia. Through Rasch measurement theory, the results indicate that the barriers of lack of skills and qualifications and lack of closed-loop control and the motivations of cost savings and a business model are performed differently. The findings further confirm that the lack of skills and qualifications is a more difficult barrier to overcome than the lack of closed-loop control, while the motivation factor of a business model is more difficult to achieve than cost savings. In terms of practical contribution, this study provides results that can help policy makers in Malaysia to close the gaps present regarding the adoption of solid waste management practices and to devise appropriate incentives. The study also supports managers of companies in regard to working on the most pressing hindering and promoting factors in the field of solid waste management.

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages13
JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Aug 2022

Bibliographical note

© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

Funding Information:
This work was supported in part by the Ministry of Higher Education under FRGS/1/2021/SS01/UKM/02/1.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

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