Synergizing awareness and policy: A system dynamics approach to reducing illegal waste dumping

Illegal waste dumping poses significant environmental and societal challenges, driven by both external factors and the perpetrators’ knowledge levels. Despite its urgency, limited research quantifies how management policies and perpetrator awareness interact to influence illegal dumping and the broader waste disposal system. This study employs a system dynamics (SD) model to dynamically analyse the interplay between publicity policies, perpetrator knowledge, and waste management strategies in mitigating illegal dumping. Our model uncovers that enhancing perpetrator awareness through targeted publicity policies effectively curbs illegal dumping and boosts waste recycling rates. By simulating various scenarios, we demonstrate that combined policy approaches -- integrating publicity efforts with recycling subsidies -- outperform singular strategies. Optimal waste management outcomes are achieved when investments in both policy areas are balanced at a 1:1 ratio. These findings highlight the importance of a holistic policy framework, where synchronized efforts in raising awareness and providing economic incentives work together to address illegal dumping more efficiently. The developed SD model serves as a tool for policymakers to simulate and identify the most effective combinations of strategies tailored to specific regional contexts. This research not only fills a critical gap in the literature but also offers practical guidance for designing robust waste management policies that adapt to evolving environmental and social dynamics.