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An incentives-based residential recycling programme was designed and implemented for improving residential waste sorting in Shanghai city, but showed very limited success in its performance. To identify why, this study systematically analysed each step of implementation using key informant interviews and site observations. Results show that policy intentions were retained in the policy devolution processes from Municipality to District, and then to Street (ward) levels, but the incentives concepts were effectively nullified in the further devolution to community-level governance. The local implementers focused on formal key performance indicators (KPIs) in order to satisfy inspections. However, the KPIs, which had been devised to allow ease of measurement, were found to unintentionally cause divergence from the policy intention of incentivisation of residents. Furthermore, high scores for these KPIs masked the implementation failure. This identification of the effective derailing of a policy via conscientious implementation is worth highlighting for avoidance in other programmes, in recycling or elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Shanghai 'Certain Time & Place' recycling program did not improve sorting. • The program name was a misnomer since most had no new 'Place' restrictions. • Restrictions to 'Certain Time' (but not Place) did not improve sorting. • No conclusions were possible about Certain Place, which deserves more research. • 'Deconstructing' policy elements onto scientific concepts assists understanding. Food waste produces methane in landfills, accounting for 1.5–2.0% of net global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions in 2010. In developing countries 40–65% of household waste can be food waste, especially from preparation, since pre-prepared food is less common. Different waste management strategies are used worldwide to get householders to separate out their food waste, including the restriction of permitted times and places for depositing household waste (e.g. 6–7pm daily at kerbside, only). Here we evaluate a Certain Time, Certain Place (CTCP) intervention used across a sample of six communities randomly allocated from a cohort in one district of Shanghai. Mixed methods are used, with directly-measured tonnages pre- and post-implementation, and site observations and open interviews of stakeholders to elicit perceived relevant factors. Quantitative results show no statistically significant impact on waste sorting performance. Relevant themes which emerged are: time period arrangements; supervision of waste stations; attitude of the assistant cleaners. These are shown to be related to known determinants of Inconvenience, Role clarification, and Positive interactions. Action Planning and Stakeholder Engagement are suggested as mitigators of Inconvenience, but Distance not found relevant. Such deconstruction of policy elements into scientific factors allows a clear scientific perspective: that this CTCP program was almost pure CT only, which increased Inconvenience without giving overall benefits from increasing supervision. Only one community had CP involved, and its performance increased significantly, suggesting CP should be studied further. In sum, this Certain Place, Certain Time recycling program was actually CT, and is not recommended for increasing food waste sorting performance. The more direct linking of policy elements to scientific factors is suggested as useful for better future design. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Municipal solid waste sorting is an essential element of urban sustainability as cities transition to a circular economy. As a mega-city, Shanghai has achieved remarkable milestones in its latest compulsory waste sorting program. This success has garnered widespread attention, and most studies have primarily focused on policy interventions from either a macro perspective or micro-analysis of individual behaviours. However, these studies have often overlooked the intricacies of multi-stakeholder coordination and the division of responsibilities, which frequently contributed to the failure of waste sorting initiatives. Furthermore, existing research lacks a systematic theoretical framework to elucidate multi-stakeholder accountability mechanisms. Therefore, this research adopts a case study approach to untangle the factors that led to Shanghai's success. Through the lens of accountability theory, this study systematically elaborates stakeholder accountability mechanisms and offers a distinctive multi-stakeholder perspective to explain Shanghai's success across vertical, horizontal, and felt accountability dimensions. This informative exemplar provides crucial empirical insights for other cities, especially those grappling with challenges in promoting and managing waste sorting initiatives. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Household waste source separation substantially reduces the amount of rubbish sent to landfills and incinerators. It enables value recovery from useful waste for transitioning to a more resource efficient and circular economy. Confronted by the severe waste management problems, China recently implemented its most strict compulsory waste sorting program in big cities to date. Despite the failures of waste sorting projects in China in the past, it is unclear what the implementation barriers are, how they interact, and how they can be overcome. This study addresses this knowledge gap through a systematic barrier study involving all the relevant stakeholders in Shanghai and Beijing. It uncovers the complex interrelationships between barriers using the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (Fuzzy DEMATEL) method. "Hasty and inappropriate planning" and "lack of policy support at the grassroots level", two new barriers that are not reported in the literature, are found to be the most influential barriers. Policy implications are discussed based on the study findings to inform the policy deliberations on the implementation of compulsory waste sorting. • This study identifies key barriers to compulsory waste sorting in China. • It employs a rigorous mixed-methods approach involving all stakeholders. • Fuzzy DEMATEL method is employed to uncover the interrelationships. • Two new barriers are found to be the most influential barriers. • Policy implications are discussed based on the key findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]