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Informal recycling plays a crucial role in municiapl solid waste management in many cities, particularly in the global South. This study examines the practices, challenges, and opportunities of informal recycling in Macau, a small city and Self Autonomous Region (S.A.R.) in China. Using qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews, this study explores the motivations and strategies of informal recyclers, the challenges they face, and the potential for collaboration with formal waste management systems. The findings of this study reveal that informal recycling in Macau is a complex and multifaceted reality and practice that involves a range of actors, from waste pickers to small-scale processors to exporters, all with their specific challenges. Informal recyclers are motivated by economic necessity, and they employ a variety of strategies to collect and process recyclable materials. However, they also face significant challenges, including high rental and transportation costs, lack of manpower, China’s waste import policies and ensuing restrictions, fluctuating global price rates of materials and the unstable income as serious consequence, accompanied by limited support from the local Government. This study also identifies opportunities for sustainable development of informal recycling in Macau, supported by the analysis of data collected via questionnaire survey regarding Macau citizens’ waste separation habits and their willingness to pay for resource separation and recovering process. The identified oppurtunities include establishing partnerships between informal and formal waste management actors, improving the infrastructure, and introducing environmental levy system and consistent policies and regulations. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the role of informal recycling sector in waste management in Macau and provides insights into potential strategies for improving the sustainability of resource and waste management practices in the city
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Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is associated with industrialization, urbanization, and a modern economic development, covering several origins such as households and similar waste streams from commerce and trade. Inappropriate waste management impacts human health and the environment negatively, but also the economy and society in general. Waste is today also seen more and more as resource itself. The world trend is to move from mere waste management to a consistent form of resource management within a circular economy, e.g. in form of an Integrated Waste Management System (IMWS). Concerning Macao, MSW is being transported to the Macao Refuse Incineration Plant for thermal treatment with energy recovery. For 2014 and 2015, the amount of waste transferred to the Macao Refuse Incineration Plant for treatment shows a strong yearly increase (11.3 %) being expected to reach or even exceed the maximum allowable waste handling capacity in near future. Alternative methods for waste treatment and valorization are necessary for an effective and sustainable waste management system in Macao. In this research, three case-studies were carried out to analysis real case scenarios that are considered examples of well-functioning MSW management. They were: 1) LIPOR (Portugal); 2) Resinorte (Portugal) and 3) Hong Kong. A questionnaire was prepared and distributed to Macao residents in order to understand their perceptions and views on the existing solid waste recycling in Macao. According to the results of the case-studies and questionnaire, based on the “Polluter Pays Principle” and “Producer Responsibility Scheme”, the main objective of this research is to suggest best practices for waste recycling and management in Macao for the Government, Company, Recycling Trade Participator and the Individual Level
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Food waste has become an increasingly pressing issue worldwide, and Macau is no exception. A substantial portion of municipal solid waste in Macau is comprised of organic waste, with household food waste being a significant contributor. This can be attributed to households purchasing excessive food, preparing more than necessary, or not consuming items before they spoil, leading to detrimental resource and environmental impacts, particularly in the form of greenhouse gas emissions. It is crucial for Macau to develop a sustainable food waste management system that fosters prevention and responsible consumption and to develop food waste recycling habits among its residents. This study employed a two-pronged approach: a literature review of food waste source separation policies and practices in four neighboring regions to identify adaptable good practice examples for Macau, and a questionnaire survey completed by 143 local residents. The survey aimed to comprehend residents' behaviors and awareness regarding food waste prevention and treatment, evaluate their satisfaction with Macau's existing food waste recycling program, examine their resistance and motivation toward participating in the recycling program, and assess their attitudes toward implementing a polluter-pays-principle system in Macau. The survey aimed to provide insights into the current state of household food waste in Macau and inform future waste management policies and strategies of stakeholders. The survey findings highlight the need for enhanced public awareness and education on food waste prevention. Additionally, upgrading recycling facilities may encourage residents to participate more actively in food waste recycling. Ultimately, implementing suitable policies can help prevent food loss and waste and regulate food waste generation and elevate recycling rates. This study offers preliminary recommendations for policymakers or government entities as a orientation for future planning