Mediating Roles of Environmental Factor in the Relationship between Solid Waste Management on Sustainable Development
Abstract
Solid Waste Management holds immense importance for a country's growth and development, encompassing environmental concerns such as pollution control, social development, tourism, property value, and disease control, all of which directly and indirectly impact the economy. Developing countries, including Pakistan, grapple with substantial obstacles in effectively managing solid waste, as indicated by its incorporation as the 6th Sustainable Development Goal. This research seeks to investigate how solid waste management influences sustainable development, with particular emphasis on the mediating impact of environmental factor. To acquire relevant data, the researcher employed a cross-sectional survey approach, collecting primary data from municipal sector employees associated with seven Water & Sanitation Services Companies (WSSCs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. Results revealed that there is positive significant relationship between solid waste management, environmental factor and sustainable development. Furthermore, the mediating role of environmental factor partially influences the relationship between the study's predictors and predicted variables. Solid waste management plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development by addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges associated with waste generation and disposal. Based on the findings of current study, it is recommended by the researcher that Strengthen Environmental Factor, Promote Digitalization in Waste Management, Integrated Approach, Capacity Building and Training, Public Awareness and Education, Collaboration and Partnerships, Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation, So by implementing these recommendations it is expected that solid waste management practices can be enhanced through the integration of environmental factor and digitalization, leading to more sustainable development outcomes.
Keywords: Solid Waste Management, Sustainable Development, Environmental Factor, Water & Sanitation Services Companies (WSSCs)
