The impact of government incentive strategies on household pharmaceutical waste recycling: A system dynamics approach

In this research, a system dynamics model is developed to analyze the recycling process of household pharmaceutical waste (HPW). Subsequently, the impact of different government incentive strategies on formal channels (FCS) and informal channels (ICS) is explored. It provides a reference for the construction of a reasonable HPW recycling system. The results indicate that properly increasing the recycling price of FCS is always effective in promoting the development of FCS as well as in combating the development of ICS. Increasing the number of formal recycling points, such as providing more online recycling platforms and more smart recycling bins, conducted by pharmacies, hospitals, and community-based organizations, will inhibit the development of ICS until 2029, after which the development of ICS will not be affected. Increasing the environmental protection fee and the service fee of FCS can promote the development of FCS and combat the development of ICS before 2032. However, after 2032, these two government incentive strategies had little impact on the development of FCS and ICS. The findings of this study offer guidance on the implementation of incentive strategies by the government, thereby laying the groundwork for the establishment of an effective HPW recycling system.