Motives for firms to adopt solid waste management controls: the case of food processing sector in Sri Lanka

Issue Date

6-2014

Abstract

This study offers an empirical analysis of the economic incentives available for food processing firms in Sri Lanka to adopt environmental controls for solid waste management. A series of in-depth interviews (n-325) were carried out with managers responsible for environmental quality in five types of food processing firms (coconut-based products, essential oils, non-alcoholic beverages, proceed fruits and vegetables, and other processed products). Confirmatory Factor Analysis techniques were applied to the data to quantify the effect of six market-based incentives (cost/financial implications, sales, reputation, commercial pressure, human resources and technical efficiency), two regulatory incentives (existing and anticipated government regulations), and the liability incentive on the firm's adoption of solid waste management practices. The level of adoption of environmental practices at the firm level is low -- on average firms adopt 1.2 compared to the recommended eight different possible practices. Costs of adoption and perceived improvements in technical efficiency are two factors that motivate adoption. Liability laws and anticipated future regulations also matter. The analysis suggests that older and larger firms are more responsive to environmental considerations. Interestingly, export oriented firms do not do better than domestic firms.

Source or Periodical Title

Journal of Environmental Science and Management

ISSN

0119-1144

Volume

17

Issue

1

Page

28-37

Document Type

Article

College

School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM)

Frequency

semi-annually

Physical Description

charts; graphs; tables; references

Language

English

Subject

Solid waste management; Food industry; Sri Lanka

En – AGROVOC descriptors

SOLID WASTES; WASTE MANAGEMENT; FOOD TECHNOLOGY; ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT; REGULATIONS; SRI LANKA

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