Effects of Waste Generation on the Load Capacity Factor: A Novel Waste Management Assessment for <scp>OECD</scp> Countries

ABSTRACT The increase in global waste generation is an important issue directly addressed in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)‐12 and OECD countries produce large amounts of waste. In this context, the study examines the influence of waste generated and recycled on the load capacity factor (biocapacity/ecological footprint) in 28 OECD countries from 2000 to 2021 using novel panel data approaches. The study employs augmented mean group and novel half‐panel jackknife estimation approaches within the Load Capacity Curve (LCC) hypothesis and confirms the LCC for OECD nations. In addition, the long‐term prediction results illustrate that waste generation increases environmental destruction, while waste recycled supports the increase in the load capacity factor. The study recommends policymakers in OECD countries to support economic growth and increase investment in waste recycling technologies to achieve SDG‐12.