Effectiveness of Waste Management Techniques for Sustainable Entrepreneurship: An Empirical Study Using Structural Equation Modeling

Kishore Krishna Das; Chhaya Devi; Manoj Kumar

doi:10.2478/ers-2026-0005

.blurhash-client-img { display: none !important; }

Effectiveness of Waste Management Techniques for Sustainable Entrepreneurship: An Empirical Study Using Structural Equation Modeling

Economic and Regional Studies / Studia Ekonomiczne i Regionalne

Volume 19 (2026): Issue 1 (March 2026)

By: Kishore Krishna Das, Chhaya Devi and Manoj Kumar

Open Access

|May 2026

Abstract

Subject and purpose of work

Improper waste disposal is a major environmental issue, contributing substantially to pollution and posing serious health risks. Globally, municipalities are increasingly adopting smart waste management technologies to ease the burden on waste collection systems. This study investigates the role of entrepreneurs with a particular focus on Kokrajhar city in Assam.

Materials and methods

A quantitative approach was employed, collecting data through a structured questionnaire administered to 600 households with random sampling method. Using a robust quantitative approach and validated tools, including Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) via AMOS, the study ensures construct validity and reliable measurement.

Results

The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure was 0.808, indicating strong sampling adequacy for factor analysis. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), conducted using AMOS software, validated the construct and examined inter-variable relationships.

Conclusions

Entrepreneurial initiatives are increasingly playing a dual role, This study contributes to sustainable municipal solid waste (MSW) management by emphasizing the role of entrepreneurs in Kokrajhar, Assam.

References

Addas, A., Alotaibi, B., Alharkan, I., & Alharkan, M. (2024). Smart city applications in solid waste management: Enhancing efficiency through IoT integration. Journal of Environmental Management, 337, 118978.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Agarwal, A., & Pandey, R. (2021). Urban solid waste management in India: Problems and prospects. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28(32), 44116-44129.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ali, M., Sharma, R., & Khan, F. (2024). Urban solid waste management in Indian cities: Current practices and future challenges. Journal of Environmental Management, 345, 119842.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Arosemena, E., Rosell, J., Parés, M., & Oliveras, J. (2024). Urban agriculture and compost use: Circular strategies in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 197, 106052.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Babbie, E. R. (2020). The practice of social research (15th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Balaganesh, G., Krishnamurthy, L., & Ramamoorthy, M. (2023). Advancements in recycling and composting technologies for sustainable waste management. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Technology, 14(2), 112-125.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Basak, S., Ghosh, A., & Das, P. (2024). Community participation in sustainable waste management: A case study from eastern India. Waste Management & Research, 42(1), 45-58.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bisinella, V., Conradsen, K. N., Damgaard, A., & Astrup, T. F. (2023). Life cycle assessment in waste management: Comparative models and system boundaries. Waste Management, 155, 244-255.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Boadi, O., K., & Kuitunen, M. (2005). Environmental and health impacts of household solid waste handling and disposal practices in third world cities: The case of the Accra metropolitan area, Ghana. Journal of Environmental Health, 32.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bocken, N., M., P., Short, S., W., Rana, P., & Evans, S. (2014). A literature and practice review to develop sustainable business model archetypes. Journal of Cleaner Production, 65, 42-56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.11.039
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Cohen, B. (2006). Sustainable valley entrepreneurial ecosystems. Business Strategy and the Environment, 15(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.428
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Connett, P. (2013). Zero waste 2020: Sustainability in our hands. In Motivating change: Sustainable design and behavior in the built environment (p. 202). Earthscan Publication.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Creswell, J., W., & Creswell, J., D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Dangelico, R., M., & Pujari, D. (2010). Mainstreaming green product innovation: Why and how companies integrate environmental sustainability. Journal of Business Ethics, 95(3), 471-486.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Daniel, S. D. (2018). Real-time communication and incentive systems for municipal waste collection optimization. Waste Management Innovations, 34(2), 220-228.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Das, S. (2020). Municipal waste management in India: Policy gaps and citizen involvement. Environmental Policy and Governance, 30(6), 321-334.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Dean, T., J., & McMullen, J., S. (2007). Toward a theory of sustainable entrepreneurship: Reducing environmental degradation through entrepreneurial action. Journal of Business Venturing, 22(1), 50-76.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Devi, C., Sharma, M., & Gupta, Y. (2025). Analyzing the influence of economic and non-economic determinants on willingness to save in financial institutions: A study using structural equation modeling (SEM). International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management, 16, 2702-2719. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13198-025-02825-1
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ferronato, N., & Torretta, V. (2019). Waste mismanagement in developing countries: A review of global issues. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(6), 1060.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Field, A. (2018). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics (5th ed.). Sage Publications
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
George, G., McGahan, A. M., & Prabhu, J. (2012). Innovation for inclusive growth: Towards a theoretical framework and a research agenda. Journal of Management Studies, 49(4), 661-683. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6486.2012.01048.x
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Gómez-Sanabria, A., & Lindl, M. (2024). Preventing aquatic waste pollution through improved municipal waste management. Science of The Total Environment, 899, 165432.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
González-Sánchez, R., Jiménez-Parra, B., & Gallego-Schmid, A. (2023). Advancing sustainable waste management within the SDG framework: A circular economy approach. Journal of Cleaner Production, 407, 136743.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Guerrero, L., A., Maas, G., & Hogland, W. (2013). Solid waste management challenges for cities in developing countries. Waste Management, 33(1), 220-232.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Gupta, N., Yadav, K., K., & Kumar, V. (2015). A review on current status of municipal solid waste management in India. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 37, 206-217.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hair, J., F., Black, W., C., Babin, B., J., & Anderson, R. E. (2019). Multivariate data analysis (8th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hall, J., K., Daneke, G., A., & Lenox, M., J. (2010). Sustainable development and entrepreneurship: Past contributions and future directions. Journal of Business Venturing, 25(5), 439-448. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusvent.2010.01.002
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hockerts, K., & Wüstenhagen, R. (2010). Greening Goliaths versus emerging Davids: Theorizing about the role of incumbents and new entrants in sustainable entrepreneurship. Journal of Business Venturing, 25(5), 481-492.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hu, L., T., & Bentler, P., M. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 6(1), 1-55. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705519909540118
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ingale, P., Deshmukh, R., & Joshi, N. (2024). Smart waste technologies: Role of IoT in Indian waste management. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Technology, 15(3), 215-228.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ishak, S., & Dadson, A., V. (2014). Households’ awareness and perception of sanitation bylaws in Ghana: Evidence from Kumasi metropolis. Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences, 6(8), 402-407.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Jain, R., & Shah, S. (2019). Barriers to sustainable waste management practices in Indian MSMEs: A qualitative study. International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology, 26(6), 502-510.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Jones, G., G., & Spadafora, A. (2014). Waste, recycling and entrepreneurship in Central and Northern Europe, 1870-1940. Harvard Business School General Management Unit Working Paper No. 14-084.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Joshi, A., Kale, S., Chandel, S., & Pal, D., K. (2015). Likert scale: Explored and explained. British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, 7(4), 396-403.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kamiya, N., Takahashi, S., & Yamamoto, K. (2010). Electronic tagging for real-time waste monitoring in urban systems. Waste Technology Journal, 22(4), 334-340.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kautonen, T., Tornikoski, E., T., & Kibler, E. (2011). Entrepreneurial intentions in the third age: The impact of perceived age norms. Small Business Economics, 37(2), 219-234.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kline, R., B. (2016). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling (4th ed.). Guilford Press.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kothari, C., R., & Garg, G. (2019). Research methodology: Methods and techniques (4th ed.). New Age International Publishers.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kripesh, A., S., Mahesh Prabhu, H., & Sriram, K. V. (2020). An empirical study on the effect of product information and perceived usefulness on purchase intention during online shopping in India. International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 21(4), 509-522.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kumar, A., & Agrawal, A. (2020). Status of municipal solid waste generation and its management practices in India: A review. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27, 10236-10249.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kumar, M., Vipin, N., & Agarwal, A. (2024). A fuzzy AHP approach for assessing the reliability of financial services. Journal of Financial Analytics, 12(1), 45-59.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kumar, M., Vipin, N., & Agarwal, A. (2024). Evaluating quality and availability in digital finance using fuzzy models. International Journal of Financial Studies, 10(2), 88-101.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kumar, M., Vipin, N., & Agarwal, A. (2024). Supply chain management and its role in rail transport. E3S Web of Conferences, 556, 01050. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202455601050
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Li, Y. (2024). The impact of circular waste systems on greenhouse gas mitigation in China. Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning, 26(2), 183-199.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Lim, Y., J., Osman, A., Salahuddin, S., N., Romle, A., R., & Abdullah, S. (2015). Factors influencing online shopping behavior: The mediating role of purchase intention. Procedia Economics and Finance, 35, 401-410.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Meena, A., Kumar, A., & Sharma, R. (2023). Waste-to-wealth through entrepreneurship: India’s roadmap to sustainability. Sustainable Futures, 5, 100085.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Mondal, S., Das, S., & Banerjee, R. (2023). Green entrepreneurship and circular economy adoption in Indian MSMEs: Opportunities and policy frameworks. Journal of Cleaner Production, 412, 137310.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Murray, A., Skene, K., & Haynes, K. (2017). The circular economy: An interdisciplinary exploration of the concept and application in a global context. Journal of Business Ethics, 140(3), 369-380. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-015-2693-2
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Neumeyer, X., & Santos, S. C. (2018). Sustainable business models, venture typologies, and entrepreneurial ecosystems: A financial network perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production, 172, 4565-4579.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Nunnally, J., C., & Bernstein, I. H. (1994). Psychometric theory (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ogawa, H. (2005). Sustainable solid waste management in developing countries. United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD), Nagoya, Japan.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Pallant, J. (2020). SPSS survival manual (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Patel, S., Mehta, A., & Sinha, R. (2014). Vermifiltration and vermicomposting technologies for rural wastewater treatment in India. Ecological Engineering, 64, 158-169.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Prabusankar, S. (2024). Waste-to-energy systems in India: Challenges and opportunities. Energy & Environment Journal, 35(1), 101-120.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Presser, S., Couper, M., P., Lessler, J., T., Martin, E., Martin, J., Rothgeb, J., M., & Singer, E. (2004). Methods for testing and evaluating survey questions. Public Opinion Quarterly, 68(1), 109-130.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ray, R., Chatterjee, P., & Sen, A. (2021). Evaluating municipal governance capacity for waste management. Public Administration Review, 81(2), 323-336.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Salem, A., Alharbi, M., & Kumar, A. (2023). Artificial intelligence and automated sorting in solid waste management: Enhancing material recovery and sustainability. Waste Management & Research, 41(12), 1572-1583.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Santos, F., M. (2012). A positive theory of social entrepreneurship. Journal of Business Ethics, 111(3), 335-351. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-012-1413-4
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Schaltegger, S., & Wagner, M. (2011). Sustainable entrepreneurship and sustainability innovation: Categories and interactions. Business Strategy and the Environment, 20(4), 222-237. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.682
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Sharholy, M., Ahmad, K., Mahmood, G., & Trivedi, R. C. (2008). Municipal solid waste management in Indian cities – A review. Waste Management, 28(2), 459-467.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Sharma, A., & Shah, K., W. (2020). Solid waste management in India: A review. International Journal of Environmental Sciences, 6(5), 723-736.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Sharma, M., & Jain, R. (2021). Evaluating the role of public participation in solid waste management: A case study in semi-urban India. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 64(7), 1234-1252.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Sharma, P., Malhotra, S., & Kapoor, A. (2021). A critical review of waste management practices in Indian urban centers. Environmental Research and Development, 12(1), 50-65.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Shepherd, D., A., Saade, F., P., & Wincent, J. (2021). Thinking about entrepreneurial decision making: Review and research agenda. Academy of Management Perspectives, 35(3), 406-430. https://doi.org/10.5465/amp.2019.0192
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Singh, R., K., & Gupta, A. (2020). Assessment of household solid waste management practices in developing countries: A case study of India. Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, 9(2), 25-39.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Singh, R., Mehta, P., & Agarwal, S. (2024). The impact of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on urban sanitation awareness in India. Journal of Urban Management, 13(1), 34-42.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Sondh, S., K., Kumar, A., & Mishra, V. (2024). Promoting the 4Rs through circular business models in municipal solid waste management. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 26, 543-562.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Suchowska-Kisielewicz, M., & Jędrczak, A. (2023). Municipal waste recycling targets under the EU Waste Framework Directive: Progress and challenges. Waste Management, 159, 65-74.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Swathika, P., Kumar, V., & Rani, M. (2024). Health risks and inefficiencies in manual waste sorting: A review of Indian practices. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 34(2), 123-135
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Taro, S. (2002). Centralized electronic systems for efficient waste coordination. Waste Management & Research, 20(6), 547-555.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Tavakol, M., & Dennick, R. (2011). Making sense of Cronbach’s alpha. International Journal of Medical Education, 2, 53-55.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Tirkolaee, E., B., Mooseloo, F., M., & Sadeghi, S. (2024). Decision support systems for sustainable waste logistics using co-modal transportation networks. Journal of Environmental Informatics, 43(1), 100-115.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
UN Habitat. (2018). Waste wise cities: Best practices in municipal solid waste management. United Nations Human Settlements Programme.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 agenda for sustainable development. https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Verma, R., & Tiwari, P. (2023). E-waste management in India: Policy review and integration strategies. Environmental Policy and Governance, 33(1), 21-34.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wen, L., C., Lin, H., & Lee, S. C. (2009). Review of recycling performance indicators: A study on collection rate in Taiwan. Waste Management, 29(8), 2248-2256.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wilson, D., C., Velis, C., & Cheeseman, C. (2006). Role of informal sector recycling in waste management in developing countries. Habitat International, 30(4), 797-808.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wittmayer, J., M., & Schäpke, N. (2014). Action, research, and participation: Roles of researchers in sustainability transitions. Sustainability Science, 9(4), 483-496.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Yukalang, N., Clarke, B., & Ross, K. (2018). Barriers to effective municipal solid waste management in a rapidly urbanizing area in Thailand. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(3), 548.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Zaman, A. U., & Lehmann, S. (2011). Urban growth and waste management optimization towards ‘zero waste city’. City, Culture and Society, 2(4), 177-187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccs.2011.10.004
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Zaman, A., U., & Lehmann, S. (2013). The zero-waste index: A performance measurement tool for waste management systems in a “zero waste city.” Journal of Cleaner Production, 50, 123-132.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Zurbrugg, C., Gfrerer, M., Ashadi, H., Brenner, W., & Kühr, R. (2012). Determinants of sustainability in solid waste management – The Gianyar Waste Recovery Project in Indonesia. Waste Management, 32(11), 2126-2133.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
World Health Organization. (2017). Inadequate waste disposal and health impacts. WHO Bulletin. https://www.who.int/
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. (2022). Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban guidelines. https://sbmurban.gov.in
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. (2019). Swachh Bharat Mission Urban Guidelines. Government of India. https://swachhbharatmission.gov.in/
Search in Google Scholar Back to article

Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/ers-2026-0005 | Journal eISSN: 2451-182X | Journal ISSN: 2083-3725

Journal RSS Feed

Language: English

Page range: 86 - 108

Submitted on: Aug 1, 2025

Accepted on: Oct 1, 2025

Published on: May 18, 2026

Published by: John Paul II University in Biała Podlaska

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: 4 issues per year

Keywords:

Structural Equation Modelling,

Sustainable Entrepreneurship,

Waste management practices,

SPSS-AMOS

Related subjects:

Business and economics,

Political economics,

Political economics, other,

Business management,

Business management, other,

Local government and administration

© 2026 Kishore Krishna Das, Chhaya Devi, Manoj Kumar, published by John Paul II University in Biała Podlaska
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 19 (2026): Issue 1 (March 2026)