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

Abstract

Recycling information can be complex and often confusing which may subsequently reduce the participations in any waste recycling schemes. As a result, this research explored the roles as well as the importance of a holistic approach in designing recycling information using 15 expert-based in-depth interviews. The rationale was to offer a better understanding of what constitutes waste, recycling, and how recycling information should be designed and presented to make recycling more attractive/convenient. Based on the research participants’ perceptions with supports from the existing studies, this research sub-categorised recycling information into three different themes, termed the “WWW” of recycling information components. As a result, these components (or attributes) were extensively described (using findings of semi-structured interviews) to elicit pragmatic guidance for practitioners, policy-makers, and other stakeholders in designing structured communication or information strategies that may simplify and subsequently increase waste-recycling practices. The policy implications of holistic information in enhancing recycling are further discussed.

Ethical consumers: an exploratory investigation of the ethical food consumption behaviour of young adults in the North East of Scotland

“…While environmental knowledge contributes to ethical food consumption (Kaufmann et al , 2012), it may interact with contextual attributes when making consumption decisions. Consistent with the literature (such as Oke and Kruijsen, 2016; Vermeir and Verbeke, 2006), Figure 1 shows that reliable and precise information on ethical behaviours is imperative during the decision-making process. However, information to promote ethical food products should also focus on interventions that address the health and social benefits of ethical food consumption rather than the environmental benefits alone (Figure 1).…”

“…Despite the observed importance of knowledge in predicting green consumer behaviour, information alone may not be sufficient in explaining consumers' ethical consumption behaviour (Reisch et al , 2013; Kostadinova, 2016). This is mostly the case when there is a disconnect between information and knowledge (Oke and Kruijsen, 2016) such that consumers are unaware of products' attributes in terms of their ethical and sustainability value (Kaufmann et al , 2012; Vermeir and Verbeke, 2006). Marketing could play active roles in influencing ethical consumption in that the more the knowledge consumers obtain about the consequences and benefits of their actions, the higher the motivation to engage in ethical food consumption.…”

Rethinking and optimising post-consumer packaging waste: A sentiment analysis of consumers’ perceptions towards the introduction of a deposit refund scheme in Scotland

“…Considering that inconvenience has been reported as a barrier to recycling behaviour ( Miafodzyeva and Brandt, 2013 , Oke and Kruijsen, 2016 ), there is a need to simplify the refund process and make the scheme easy for consumers to understand and participate. This may be addressed by providing specific information about the scheme ( Oke and Kruijsen, 2016 ) while installing a refund vending machine (RVM) in every major store and bring sites for ease of access. The practicality of RVM in facilitating material collection should be appropriately assessed before implementing DRS.…”

Developing the Roles That Public Relations Play in Supporting 3R Activities by School Teachers in Johor

“…Recycling information may not be effective without a clear understanding of the stage at which the information should be provided. Previous projects have adopted and introduced specific recycling information, particularly before and after the introduction of recycling schemes, while information was often disseminated prior to the scheme to create curiosity and awareness (14).…”

“…Good publicity and promotion will positively influence households to adopt the recycling behaviour by increasing recycling knowledge and activities. The former is an effective tool to engage or enhance domestic recycling behavior by improving feedback, publicity, promotion or communication strategies (14). The 3R principle alone is not sufficient to generate beneficial outcomes without proper education, demonstration and encouraging government policies.…”