This study tracks rural waste management systems in China since 2017.Our findings are threefold:(i)Rural waste management in China is underpinned by an institutional framework of environmentally-minded laws and regulations;(ii)substantial progress has been made in livestock pollution treatment,“toilet revolution”and domestic waste management as a result of extensive public communication and state-led enforcement;(iii)environmental responsibilities are shared among the government,polluters and households.In particular,government spending has focused on areas of market failure such as waste reduction,antitoxic treatment and recycling.Moreover,our research uncovers that current waste management systems are unsustainable and must be remedied by:(i)setting aside sufficient funds for infrastructure maintenance;and(ii)increasing villagers’participation in project design and investment.Also,existing public utilities such as sewage treatment facilities should be remodeled to increase coverage for rural households who live at scattered settlements.
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