Urban Community Willingness to Pay for Improved Solid Waste Management in Malaysian Municipality: A Choice Modeling Approach

The management of solid waste in urban areas is a critical issue for some developing countries especially in Asia which requires immediate attention. This study attempts to make an analysis and assessment of public attitudes and behaviour towards the improvement of urban solid waste management offered by a municipality in Malaysia by looking at the people’s willingness to pay (WTP) for the improved services. Seremban Municipality, one of the most important municipalities in Malaysia, has been chosen for this study because of its rapid development and phenomenal economics growth. The study covers seven residential areas under the administration of the municipality. A survey questionnaire and observation techniques have been carried out to the 140 households. Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) is used for the quantitative data analysis. The study results indicated that the households are willing to pay for the improved services and a regression model was created to show the factors contributing to the willingness to pay.