Socioeconomic factors explaining municipal solid waste generation in Galicia. Similarities and differences between aggregate magnitudes and fractions

The rapid increase in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generation is a critical problem associated with economic development. Identifying the factors involved in MSW generation are key to designing strategies for responsible management and reduction. This study seeks to identify the factors involved in MSW generation and composition in Galicia (Spain). Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis was used to study whether MSW generation was explained by increased disposable income per capita or other factors such as improved salaries, household consumption levels, improved Human Development Index (HDI) levels or an aging population. The models obtained add some interesting nuances to the existing literature. They present coefficients of determination (R²) higher than 0.77 for total MSW and all fractions, surpassing tests of linearity, homoscedasticity, normality of residuals and independence of variables. The results also add some important details to the existing literature, suggesting that MSW generation is linked more to economic growth than to consumption. The aging Galician population did not correlate with MSW reduction, but improved HDI correlated with a reduction in mixed urban waste.