The effect of income on municipal solid waste generation rates for countries of varying levels of economic development: a model

The relationship between municipal solid waste generation rates and income is assumed to be a direct and positive one. The present paper analyzes this relationship for 123 countries, based on data compiled by the United Nations. It was found that instead of a straight line, solid waste generation shows a curvilinear shape as income increases.The proposed model indicates a transitional pattern: as a country develops, its waste generation rate increases; then for middle and upper-income countries a transition takes place, in which waste generation and income show a very weak association, and for the wealthiest countries, their waste generation rates actually decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]