Increasing Recycling in Office Environments: The Effects of Specific, Informative Cues

Abstract

We investigated the effects of prompts on the recycling behavior of approximately 217 faculty, staff, and graduate students in two academic departments of a large university. During the intervention, two signs were posted in each department. One sign prompted recyding (posted above the recyding receptade), and the other sign prompted proper disposal of trash (posted above the trash receptade). Results of a multiple baseline design across the two departments indicated that the sign prompt increased recycling behavior. Installation of the sign prompts in dose proximity to receptacles in Department A resulted in a 54% improvement over baseline. Posting of sign prompts over containers 4 m apart in Department B resulted in a 17% improvement, whereas positioning the signs and receptacles in dose proximity resulted in a 29% improvement over baseline.

The Importance of Specific Recycling Information in Designing a Waste Management Scheme

“…This is based on the available evidence (such as [15,16,21]) of a strong relationship between specific information concerning the key recyclables and waste-recycling behaviour. However, the contribution of environmental knowledge in enhancing pro-environmental behaviours is still contentious and findings on the effect of environmental knowledge are mixed in the literature.…”

Using Community-Based Social Marketing Techniques to Enhance Environmental Regulation

“…A prompt must be noticeable, self-explanatory, and in close proximity to the site where the targeted behavior is to be carried out [57]. The use of prompts was explored by Austin et al [85,86] in their analysis of participation in a university campus recycling program. One department had recycling information signs detailing acceptable recyclable materials placed in immediate proximity to recycling and trash receptacles; another had the signs placed above the receptacles which were then placed several meters apart.…”

Behavior Analysis and Environmental Protection: Accomplishments and Potential for More

“…This protects the environment by decreasing the amount of waste directed toward overflowing landfills, and reducing the amount of energy required to produce new products. Twenty of the 32 studies published since 1990 targeted recycling in a variety of settings, including research centers (Needleman & Geller, 1992), universities (Austin, Hatfield, Grindle, & Bailey, 1993;Ludwig, Gray, & Rowell, 1998), and neighborhoods (DeLeon & Fuqua, 1995;De Young et al, 1995;Werner et al, 1995).…”