How Socio-Demographic Traits and Moderating Variables Shape Waste Clothing Recycling in China

As living standards rise, the proliferation of discarded apparel contributes significantly to environmental pollution through traditional disposal methods, underscoring the importance of sustainable recycling practices in promoting a green lifestyle. This research examines factors influencing waste clothing recycling among Chinese residents, based on 1220 survey responses. It employs the entropy weight method to quantify dependent and moderating variables, followed by ordinary least squares regression analysis. The results indicate that (1) socio-demographic characteristics (notably gender, with females demonstrating higher recycling rates) and clothing disposal behaviors (including recycling knowledge, frequency of new clothing acquisition, usage duration, and disposal practices) markedly impact recycling activity, whereas age, geographic region, and income levels exhibit no significant effects. (2) Objective environmental conditions (such as recycling infrastructure and policy incentives) and recycling mode (formal outlets and donation platforms) positively moderate the relationship between key factors and recycling volume. These findings suggest that enhancing waste apparel recycling necessitates comprehensive strategies encompassing knowledge dissemination, environmental optimization, and diversification of recycling modalities—providing valuable insights for advancing circular economy initiatives and sustainable waste management within the apparel industry.