RESEARCH: Motives as Predictors of the Public's Attitudes Toward Solid Waste Issues

Abstract

/ Surveys focusing on solid-waste-related issues, conducted over a period of several years, provided data from independent samples of residents of a Midwestern, USA, community. The collection of these data yielded useful information about the relationship between residents' recycling motives and their attitudes toward solid waste management in light of several changes in the solid waste infrastructure of the community over that time. The initial survey assessed baseline beliefs and attitudes, while later surveys were conducted after the implementation of a community educational program and a curbside recycling program. The findings indicated that for recyclers and nonrecyclers, different motives predicted endorsement of solid waste programs and policies. Although a similar percentage of recyclers and nonrecyclers were in support of various proposed programs and policies, concern for the environment was found to be positively related to nonrecyclers' support of proposed programs, particularly before these programs were implemented. Prior to program implementation, motives other than environmental altruism were found to be related to recyclers' support of the programs. Additional findings support the idea that educational programs and increased accessibility to recycling opportunities affect the relationship between people's attitudes toward solid waste management and their recycling motives.

Developing Sustainable Waste Management Practice: Application of Q Methodology to Construct New Strategy Component in Limbe – Cameroon

“…Nevertheless, the feeling from group discussions with Q in Limbe was generally positive because the participants learned from the interactive sessions and were prepared to adopt pro-environmental behavior; minimize and prevent waste generation, reduce, recycle and reuse and compost the biodegradable fraction in the household waste. These feelings were in line with [32,33], who reported that appropriate opportunities, facilities and knowledge from education programmes to recycle or compost influence attitudes and through that, behavior. According to [32] While acknowledging the drivers to pro-environmental behavior mentioned above, the results have led to the development of a pilot project on an education led campaign to provide information and raise awareness and capacity building in composting.…”

Recycling Behaviour Among Householders: Synthesizing Determinants Via a Meta-analysis

“…For example, Corral-Verdugo [59] made direct observations on randomly selected families of Mexico and found a direct link between specific recycling knowledge and behaviour. Ebreo and Vining [85] cite findings which support the idea that educational programmes have an effect on the relationship between people's attitude and their recycling motives. Information may help to increase and sustain residents' intention of separating different wastes and recycling [84,86].…”

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

“…Recycling information, when available, may practically differentiate perceived recyclers from non-recyclers [44,50] and this may inform policy or strategy that enhances recycling. For instance:…”