Assessing Public Perceptions and Technical Potential of Waste-to-Energy in Kuwait’s Residential Sector
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 13113117 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Ziad Hunaiti (0000-0002-7048-2469, Brunel University of London, corresponding author), Sultan Alotaibi (Brunel University of London), Zayed Huneiti (Al-Balqa Applied University), W Balachandran (Brunel University of London) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 10 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 206-206 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-06 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Urban Science (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2413-8851 • E-ISSN: 2413-8851 |
| Publisher | MDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT) |
| DOI | 10.3390/urbansci10040206 |
| OpenAlex | W7151569614 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 34 |
Kuwait faces mounting challenges in municipal solid waste (MSW) management alongside continued dependence on fossil-fuel-based electricity generation. Per capita waste generation in Kuwait is approximately 1.7 kg/person/day, exceeding the global average of 0.74 kg/person/day, indicating substantial potential for resource recovery and energy conversion. This study evaluates public perceptions of waste-to-energy (WtE) in Kuwait’s residential sector and estimates the potential electricity that could be generated from household waste. A structured online household survey (n = 470) was administered to assess socio-demographic characteristics and key perception constructs, including awareness, perceived risks, perceived benefits, and overall attitudes toward WtE. In parallel, a quantitative estimation was undertaken using literature-based parameters for monthly per capita waste generation and electricity consumption to derive household-level waste quantities, corresponding energy potential, and generated-to-consumed energy ratios. Survey findings indicate generally favourable attitudes toward WtE and recognition of its potential to reduce landfill dependence and contribute to electricity supply, although respondents showed stronger support for locating WtE facilities away from residential neighbourhoods. Perceived risks—particularly related to health and environmental impacts—remained salient, while perceived benefits associated with waste reduction and local economic value were also acknowledged. The technical assessment indicates that higher waste generation increases theoretical energy recovery potential; however, high residential electricity demand reduces the relative contribution of WtE, with a generated-to-consumed energy ratio of approximately 2, compared with a global benchmark ratio of 4.1. This study highlights the need for targeted public engagement, improved source segregation, and more detailed Kuwait-specific technical and economic evaluations to support evidence-based WtE policy and investment decisions
Benchmark (surveying · Consumption (sociology · Electricity · Electricity generation · Investment (military · Mains electricity · Municipal solid waste · Per capita · Resource (disambiguation · Environmental Education and Sustainability · Municipal Solid Waste Management · Social Acceptance of Renewable Energy
Getting their voices heard
Sustainable supply chain management practices and performance
Towards a better psychological satisfaction
Public Perception towards Waste-to-Energy as a Waste Management Strategy
Measuring the success of public participation on environmental restoration and waste management activities in the U.S. Department of Energy
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |