Abstract

The paper explores a new micro dataset on the export of hazardous waste generated in Europe. A total of 16 745 industrial facilities generated hazardous waste in 2009 out of which 1 272 exported some or all of the waste. A measure of the export intensity of facilities is introduced by using export of hazardous waste as a percentage of total hazardous waste generated. The study finds that 96% of the export stays within Europe and rarely goes to developing countries. The major driving force behind firms' decision to export hazardous waste may be the stringency of general environmental policies as well as the introduction of regulations and tax bases specific to waste disposal. Furthermore, the availability of sufficient waste management and recycling centers increases competition and decreases the cost of waste management, reducing the need to export hazardous wastes.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.