Catalyzing changes on the ground and up: evidence from 106 ENGOs in community waste management in China

Environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) are pivotal in waste management owing to their innovations and emphasis on partnership and public engagement. However, their roles in transitioning to sustainable waste management in China remain underexplored, including their mode of operations and how they navigate challenges arising from the complex social and institutional landscape. Drawing on data from 106 Chinese ENGOs and 26 in-depth case studies, we show that, despite dispersed and tenuous work at different operational levels, ENGOs collectively wield significant influence in waste management innovation. We also find that their potential can be limited due to varying degrees of acknowledgment of their importance across different cities in China. We emphasize the need for stronger ENGO-government linkages, ENGO professional development, and institutionalization of ENGO roles.