Factors Influencing the Acceptance of RDF Waste-to-Energy Plant in the Context of Community Waste Management
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Abstract
Community solid waste management, together with the transition toward clean energy, has become a major challenge faced by many countries worldwide. Although refuse-derived fuel (RDF) technology is widely regarded as a practical approach to waste management under the circular economy concept, its implementation continues to encounter significant difficulties. One of the key challenges is public and community acceptance, which remains a common issue in many regions around the world. This study therefore aims to examine the factors influencing public attitudes and decision-making, shifting the perspective from viewing the issue as a localized conflict to a broader consideration of the relationship between technology and society.
The results indicate that trust in the institutions responsible for project management, along with access to clear and transparent information, has a greater influence on public acceptance than economic incentives. These findings suggest that local opposition to such projects is not driven solely by economic concerns, but is also closely linked to policy gaps and shortcomings in government communication. Consequently, this study not only provides recommendations for the case study area but also offers broader insights into conflict management and stakeholder collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and local communities. These insights can support the implementation of clean energy projects and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and may be applied to other contexts, particularly in developing countries
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