Outsourcing environmental services: new insights into the factors influencing the circular economy

Abstract

Recent studies have demonstrated how buyers can influence the environmental performance of suppliers. However, although industrial waste accounts for much of the waste generated in the west, little is known about how industrial waste is managed downstream. We present an analysis of the drivers influencing the decision to opt for waste-to-recovery rather than disposal facilities. The drivers were investigated by a questionnaire survey. Findings show that the manufacturing industry is more likely to send waste to recovery rather than disposal facilities, as a result of factors such as the service provider s reputation, the presence of a broker in the transaction, and pressure from public authorities.