LAUSR

This study examined the changes in spatial distribution of dumping sites in Polish districts over the 2009-2016 in the context of the new waste management policy. The regional patterns of dumping sites were identified using spatial concentration measures (location quotient, spatial Gini) and the spatial interactions were explored with univariate and bivariate Moran’s I statistics. This analysis also examined the extent to which spatial interactions took place. The number of legal and illegal (existing and removed) dumping sites was measured per 100 km2 of the total area of districts. Results indicated that spatial concentration of illegal dumping sites increased noticeably in the transition period of the legislation changes (82% of Polish districts contained illegal dumping sites). A considerably strong regional concentration of illegal dumps was observed in rural areas, forests, northern parts of Poland and densely populated districts. Positive global Moran’s I statistic proved the presence of clusters of districts with similar levels of dumping sites. The local bivariate spatial analysis investigated the relation between the number of waste sites in one location and the lag factor of dumps in nearby areas. This empirical study provides useful data to the relevant decision makers and local governments for urban planning.