Norm-based feedback on household waste: Large-scale field experiments in two Swedish municipalities - Ratio

Norm-based feedback on household waste: Large-scale field experiments in two Swedish municipalities - Ratio

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Article (with peer review)

The autonomous adaptation of US homes to changing temperatures

Cohen, F., Glachant, M., & Söderberg, M.

Publication year

2025

Published in

Journal of Economic Geography

Abstract

Little is known about how households adapt to climate change. Previous research has focused on geographical differences in fuel choice and air conditioning. Using a twenty-eight-year panel of homes, we conducted the first longitudinal analysis of eight categories of adaptations and their impact on electricity, gas, and water expenditures. Exposure to cold or warm days correlates with increased spending on doors, windows, equipment, insulation, energy, and water. Our findings suggest cooling costs will rise, offset by lower heating costs. We predict a significant increase in electricity and water use during summer, leading to seasonal utility adjustments.

Social Preferences and Environmental Externalities

Campos-Mercade, P., Ek, C., Söderberg, M., & Schneider, F. H.

Publication year

2025

Published in

Working paper series: Department of Economics, School of Economics and Management, Lund University.

Abstract

Standard economic theory assumes that consumers ignore the externalities they create, such as emissions from burning fossil fuels and generating waste. In an incentivized study (N = 3, 718), we find that most people forgo substantial gains to avoid imposing negative externalities on others. Using administrative data on household waste, we show a clear link between such prosociality and waste behavior: prosociality predicts lower residual waste generation and higher waste sorting. Prosociality also predicts survey-reported pro-environmental behaviors such as lowering indoor temperature, limiting air travel, and consuming eco-friendly products. These findings highlight the importance of considering social preferences in environmental policy.

Article (with peer review)

The impact of population size and waste bin structure on the cost of municipal solid waste (MSW) management: Evidence from Sweden and Norway

Söderberg, M., Sundriyal, V. K., & Gabrielsson, J.

Publication year

2025

Published in

Waste Management

Abstract

The growing amount of waste worldwide has led to policies requiring cost-effective waste management. Consequently, municipalities responsible for providing waste services are under greater pressure to do so efficiently for their residents. Using data from 225 Swedish and Norwegian municipalities, we investigate how the waste bin structure and population affect the cost of MSW management. Results indicate that 4-compartment bins are the most expensive (+13 %), while using the same bin types in detached and multi-family dwellings leads to coordination savings (−18 %). The cost-minimising population is slightly above 600,000 inhabitants, and the cost per inhabitant can be reduced by up to 30 % in several locations through collaborations with larger neighbours.