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Performance assessment of refuse collection services using robust efficiency measures

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  • Simões, Pedro
  • Carvalho, Pedro
  • Marques, Rui Cunha

Abstract

In Portugal, municipalities have been entrusted with a growing number of powers and responsibilities, together with budget restrictions. Therefore, refuse collection services have gained particular interest since in most municipalities their revenues represent only a small part of the real costs. Therefore, in this paper, we look for the sound practices and their major determinants in the refuse collection service in Portugal. We apply distinct non-parametric techniques, such as data envelopment analysis (DEA) and the new robust methodologies of bootstrap and order-m for this purpose. The latter was also used to evaluate the relevance of the operational environment in the refuse collection service in Portugal. The results show that there is room for efficiency improvement.

Suggested Citation

  • Simões, Pedro & Carvalho, Pedro & Marques, Rui Cunha, 2012. "Performance assessment of refuse collection services using robust efficiency measures," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 56-66.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:recore:v:67:y:2012:i:c:p:56-66
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2012.07.006
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    3. lo Storto, Corrado, 2024. "Measuring the eco-efficiency of municipal solid waste service: A fuzzy DEA model for handling missing data," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C).

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