Characteristics of industrial hazardous waste generation in South Korea from 2008 to 2018 based on decoupling and decomposition analysis

The industrial hazardous waste (IHW) generation to meet consumption is steadily increasing, resulting in environmental, health, and social problems around the world. To address IHW at the source, it is critical to understand the generation characteristics and key drivers on industrial hazardous waste generation (IHWG). This study analysed the generation characteristics of IHW of South Korea from 2008 to 2018 by decoupling and index decomposition analysis using Log Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) model. South Korea presented unstable decoupling of IHWG from economic growth, so more effective waste management regulations are needed to support a stable decoupling. One most critical finding was that the factors of industrial output and industrial characteristic of IHWG-to-energy were major driving factors influencing the increase of IHWG, whereas those of industrial structure and energy efficiency affect to the decrease of IHWG in most industries. In addition, the result clearly confirmed that the contribution of driving factors affecting the IHWG differs by industry. These results provide significant policy insights that the South Korean government needs institutional improvement and refinement of customised IHW management according to the characteristics of IHWG.

Automated summary

This study analysed the generation characteristics of industrial hazardous waste in South Korea from 2008 to 2018 and found that factors such as industrial output and characteristics of hazardous waste generation-to-energy are major driving factors influencing the increase of industrial hazardous waste generation. Meanwhile, industrial structure and energy efficiency affect the decrease of industrial hazardous waste generation in most industries. It was also confirmed that different industries have varying driving factors affecting industrial hazardous waste generation. These results provide insights for the South Korean government to improve and customize hazardous waste management policies.