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Understanding Recycling Behavior – A Study of Motivational Factors behind Waste Recycling

Modig Johansson, Kajsa LU (2016) 202.
Abstract
Globally, waste volumes are increasing rapidly and the World Bank estimates a 70% global increase in municipal solid waste until 2025. Waste may have serious environmental consequences and there is a strong correlation between solid waste generation rates and greenhouse gas emissions. These two observations alone indicate that this development is not sustainable. Recycling is one of the most important actions currently available to reduce the environmental impact of waste. While, waste recycling in OECD countries is reported to be approximately 22% on average, many developing countries have recycling rates in the range of 1-3%. A key aspect in succeeding with any recycling effort, is how authorities and other actors, relate to both... (More)
Globally, waste volumes are increasing rapidly and the World Bank estimates a 70% global increase in municipal solid waste until 2025. Waste may have serious environmental consequences and there is a strong correlation between solid waste generation rates and greenhouse gas emissions. These two observations alone indicate that this development is not sustainable. Recycling is one of the most important actions currently available to reduce the environmental impact of waste. While, waste recycling in OECD countries is reported to be approximately 22% on average, many developing countries have recycling rates in the range of 1-3%. A key aspect in succeeding with any recycling effort, is how authorities and other actors, relate to both informal and formal waste workers. This paper reports on the findings of a systematic literature study with the aim of exploring waste recycling behavior, with a special focus on motivational factors, both physical and psychological, behind recycling. Three levels of descending importance for recycling have been identified, where two are vital for success, and the third is desirable; 1) a well-designed infrastructure for recycling 2) specific recycling knowledge, and, 3) a general understanding of environmental aspects. Any attempt to implement or improve recycling systems and/or recycling behavior, needs to consider these aspects and the insights gained through this research may provide decision makers with practical assistance. The paper also contributes by providing academia with a framework for further studies on the behavioral aspects of recycling. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
organization
publishing date
type
Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding
publication status
published
subject
host publication
8th International Conference on Waste Management and the Environment
volume
202
pages
14 pages
publisher
Wessex Institute of Technology Press
DOI
10.2495/WM160361
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
9fec8c49-c01e-4f85-b9a1-5e8421856b3a
date added to LUP
2017-10-04 13:05:38
date last changed
2021-03-22 16:54:27
@inproceedings{9fec8c49-c01e-4f85-b9a1-5e8421856b3a,
  abstract     = {{Globally, waste volumes are increasing rapidly and the World Bank estimates a 70% global increase in municipal solid waste until 2025. Waste may have serious environmental consequences and there is a strong correlation between solid waste generation rates and greenhouse gas emissions. These two observations alone indicate that this development is not sustainable. Recycling is one of the most important actions currently available to reduce the environmental impact of waste. While, waste recycling in OECD countries is reported to be approximately 22% on average, many developing countries have recycling rates in the range of 1-3%. A key aspect in succeeding with any recycling effort, is how authorities and other actors, relate to both informal and formal waste workers. This paper reports on the findings of a systematic literature study with the aim of exploring waste recycling behavior, with a special focus on motivational factors, both physical and psychological, behind recycling. Three levels of descending importance for recycling have been identified, where two are vital for success, and the third is desirable; 1) a well-designed infrastructure for recycling 2) specific recycling knowledge, and, 3) a general understanding of environmental aspects. Any attempt to implement or improve recycling systems and/or recycling behavior, needs to consider these aspects and the insights gained through this research may provide decision makers with practical assistance. The paper also contributes by providing academia with a framework for further studies on the behavioral aspects of recycling.}},
  author       = {{Modig Johansson, Kajsa}},
  booktitle    = {{8th International Conference on Waste Management and the Environment}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  month        = {{06}},
  publisher    = {{Wessex Institute of Technology Press}},
  title        = {{Understanding Recycling Behavior – A Study of Motivational Factors behind Waste Recycling}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.2495/WM160361}},
  doi          = {{10.2495/WM160361}},
  volume       = {{202}},
  year         = {{2016}},
}