Factors Influencing Household Attitudes and Behaviour Towards Waste Management in Exeter, Devon
This large piece of research was funded by the Department of Geography at the University of Exeter. For a summary of the research findings, please view this Word Document.
The research examined the underlying nature of the attitudes and behaviours of Exeter residents in the realm of waste management, defined as waste minimisation, reuse and recycling behaviour. The research had three main aims:
To identify and accurately measure reported waste management behaviour and attitudes in a representative sample in the city of Exeter;
To examine which combination of a large number of factors most influenced action;
To recommend strategies to policy makers for encouraging waste reduction, reuse and recycling.
In order to achieve these aims, 980 people in Exeter were questionnaired on a door-to-door basis and a response rate of 69% was achieved. Using these returned questionnaires, the following summary points emerged from the analysis;
Waste minimisation, reuse and recycling were empirically different. Different groups of individuals took part in each action and there were varying rates of participation, with recycling being the most popular, whilst minimisation and reuse were undertaken with considerably less frequency;
The determinants of these behaviours were also different. Recycling behaviour was characterised by access to a kerbside recycling collection, good knowledge of service and perception of convenience and that others were also recycling. By contrast, minimisation and reuse were characterised by those who shared ecocentric values, believed in environmental responsibility and had considerable efficacy that their actions would have a\ desired impact;
From these results, policy recommendations were formulated and sent to the local authority.
For a more detailed account of the research, please read the Word Document.