Factors affecting waste disposal facilities siting in Southern China

Solid waste disposal facilities have become scarce in both developed democratic and lower-income socialist states such as the mainland China. The cases of Guangzhou, Jiangmen and Dongguan are analysed to elucidate the factors for siting difficulties and the unique siting style in China. A number of factors are contributing to siting difficulties in Southern China. Irrational applications of the self-sufficient principle at local waste management, poor environmental track records of previous and existing disposal facilities have all severely restricted the supply of waste disposal sites. In addition, rapid increase in waste generation and the use of old-fashioned equipment in waste facilities are speeding up the consumption of landfill space. While the top-down approach is still the norm in waste facility siting, local governments and host communities in China can effectively block the establishment of waste facility as a result of increasing decentralisation of decision making power where even grass root level governments are granted more autonomy in decision making.