Novais, A. F., & Tavares, A. F. (2025). Governance models and performance in municipal solid waste management: Evidence from local authorities. Journal of Environmental Management, 386. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125829

This article examines how different governance models used by Portuguese municipalities influence performance in municipal solid waste (MSW) management, focusing on selective collection and recycling. Using data from 278 mainland municipalities in 2020, the study identifies four key governance models: direct management, inter-municipal cooperation, municipal or inter-municipal corporations, and private contracting. Direct management dominates, used by 84% of municipalities. Governance choices are shaped mainly by financial autonomy, scale, population density, and institutional capacity. Larger or financially stronger municipalities tend to adopt corporate structures, while low-density areas prefer inter-municipal cooperation. Municipalities with greater administrative capacity favor direct management.

Performance analysis shows that Portugal struggles to meet national recycling targets. Inter-municipal cooperation performs worst, largely due to rural dispersion and financial constraints. Direct management achieves comparatively better selective collection and recycling outcomes, while corporate models show no significant advantage. Financial autonomy strongly supports environmental performance. Overall, the study concludes that no governance model is inherently superior; effectiveness depends on local context and resource capacity.