Achieving Economic Development through Solid Waste Path

Abstract

To meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations, sustainable development is an approach that emphasizes economic, social, and environmental factors. Both the public and private sectors find it difficult to manage the rapidly growing volume and diversity of solid waste caused by continued economic growth, urbanization, industrialization, and tourism. This study examines a number of factors that influence solid waste generation in Albania between 2001 and 2023. By analyzing data on tourism, education, industry, trade, urbanization, renewable energy consumption, and employment, the study assesses the impact of economic and environmental factors on solid waste generation using a regression model. Secondary data were processed using the EViews software. The independent variables of tourist arrivals, government expenditures, and urban population have a positive relationship with the dependent variable of solid waste. Solid waste will rise by roughly 0.18 units for every unit increase in government expenditures. The dependent variable is negatively correlated with the other independent variables. There should be a 0.08 unit decrease in solid waste for every unit increase in employment, a 0.11 unit decrease in the dependent variable for every unit increase in industry, a 0.07 unit decrease in solid waste for every unit increase in renewable energy, and a 0.03 unit decrease in solid waste for every unit increase in trade. In order to support environmental sustainability, the study offers suggestions for stakeholders, academics, and policymakers to create sustainable and efficient waste management plans.