Presentation long abstract

Recent years have witnessed the burgeoning of waste geography as a distinctive and cutting-edge area of inquiry within the broader field of geography. However, a conspicuous lacuna remains regarding the study of low-value waste streams, such as municipal solid waste (MSW). This research addresses the structural dilemmas inherent in the spatial governance of MSW in major Chinese metropolises. Specifically, it interrogates the spatial coordination paradox arising from inconsistencies between source separation initiatives and end-of-life treatment capacities. The overcapacity of waste incineration facilities, in particular, impedes the effective implementation of upstream waste sorting programs. Departing from the prevailing emphasis on techno-managerial solutions, this project prioritizes spatial governance perspectives. Through a comparative case study analysis of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing, it investigates the underlying mechanisms and resultant effects of these spatial governance challenges. This research contributes to a significant theoretical advancement by transcending the limitations of a purely engineering-driven paradigm and pioneering a novel approach to waste geography within the Chinese context. By addressing the existing research gap concerning low-value waste, it offers a foundational theoretical basis for constructing high-quality, inclusive zero-waste cities and fostering ecological civilization.