Abstract:

The aim of this study is to contribute to the relevant empirical literature by determining the effect of socioeconomic factors on waste generation. Although there are many studies in the literature on waste, which has an important place in the circular economy system; This study differs from existing studies in that it defines socio-economic factors within the framework of the human development index variable. In this study, in which 26 European countries were sampled from 2004-2017, the balanced panel data method was used. In the analysis, it was determined that the variables that affect the waste generation in a decreasing way are the human development index (IGI), R&D and urban population variables, respectively. It has been concluded that the GDP variable is a variable that positively affects the waste generation. In order to reduce the amount of waste, turning to and implementing policies for socio-economic factors such as R&D expenditures, human development (HDI) and urban population will both alleviate the pressure of the existing waste amount on the environment and prevent waste.