Internet use and higher farmer participation in domestic waste sorting: micro-survey data from 2126 farming households in rural China

In the context of the digital economy, understanding the impact of digital participation on farmers' environmental behavior is crucial for promoting environmental literacy and improving quality of life. This study focuses on the influence of internet use on domestic waste sorting among farm households in rural areas of eastern, central, and western China, based on data from a micro survey conducted in 2126 households. The study utilizes an ordered probability model to examine the impact of internet use on waste sorting behavior and explores any heterogeneity in this relationship. The results reveal that internet use significantly increases the likelihood of farmers participating in domestic waste sorting. This finding remains consistent even after conducting robustness tests. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that internet use reduces the probability of non-participation in waste separation by 14.9%, while increasing the proportion of waste sorting into two, three, and four categories by 3.86, 5.99, and 5.04%, respectively. In other words, farmers who use the internet are more likely to engage in proper waste separation practices. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the promotion of internet use facilitates information access for traditionally marginalized groups, such as women, older individuals, those with low income, and those with low education levels. Consequently, these groups are more likely to participate in household waste sorting. This study serves as an important reference for developing countries and regions that aim to enhance residential waste participation through internet use.