Whole process efficiency framework for decomposing general industrial solid waste storage and discard in China

Reducing general industrial solid waste (ISW) storage and discard is important for advancing zero-waste cities. We integrated slacks-based measure data envelopment analysis, index decomposition analysis, and provincial attribution analysis within a whole-process efficiency-oriented framework to identify seven factors across 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2022. General ISW generation, storage, and discard varied markedly among provinces. Average process control efficiency and the utilization-disposal rate were 0.672 and 0.840, respectively, indicating scope for improvement. A reduction in process control inefficiency, reflecting improved process control efficiency, made the largest downward contribution, whereas an increase in economic inefficiency made the largest upward contribution. End-of-pipe treatment did not offset the overall increase, although utilization and disposal of previously stored waste began after 2018 and faced further obstacles during the 2020 pandemic. The framework links source prevention, process control, and end-of-pipe treatment, supporting province-specific strategies for reducing ISW accumulation.