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Comparative insight into willingness to pay for reducing plastic waste consumption in different contexts
Summary
This review paper looked at existing research on how much people are willing to pay to cut down on plastic waste, and found that people in wealthier countries tend to pay more and prefer government policies, while people in developing countries pay less and prefer visible, immediate changes like fewer plastic bags. Since plastic waste breaks down into microplastics that can end up in our food, water, and even our bodies, understanding what motivates people to reduce plastic use in different places can help design better strategies to cut plastic pollution — and the health risks that come with it — worldwide.
Received: 11 December 2025 / Revised: 22 April 2026 / Accepted: 24 April 2026 / Published: 1 June 2026 Purpose: This study aims to analyse the literature on Willingness to Pay (WTP) for plastic waste across various contexts to understand public contributions to plastic waste management through WTP. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study adopts a systematic literature review (SLR) design to compare and critically assess relevant studies across five key areas of WTP for plastic waste, including specific products, alternatives, pollution, and waste management systems. Findings: WTP varies across countries and contexts. Developed nations generally exhibit higher WTP and prefer policy instruments, whereas developing nations exhibit lower WTP and favour visible reductions. Key determinants include cost, awareness, socio-economic, and spatial factors; however, much of the literature remains fragmented. Originality/Value: This study reviews WTP for plastic waste across contexts by integrating evidence on the determinants, cross-country variations, and critical research gaps. Keywords: Environmental Awareness; Plastic Waste; Plastic Waste Management; Sustainability; Willingness to Pay. Citation: Nugraheni, D. R. and Sodri, A. (2026): Comparative Insight into Willingness to Pay for Reducing Plastic Waste Consumption in Different Contexts. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 271-286. WASD: London, United Kingdom.