Predicting Three Dimensions of Residential Curbside Recycling: An Observational Study

Oskamp, S., Burkhardt, R. L., Schultz, P. W., Hurin, S. & Zelezny, L. (1998). Predicting three dimensions of residential curbside recycling: An observational study. Journal of Environmental Education, 29, 2, 37-42.

Three dimensions of household recycling behavior (frequency of participation, amount of recyclable materials, and contamination of recyclables by improper material) were observed in 705 households of a suburban residential community over an 8-wk period. These dependent variables were predicted by a set of 10 independent variables (recycling knowledge, general environmental concern, community attachment, 4 specific recycling motivation factors, education, income, and size of household) which were assessed using a questionnaire. 489 residents responded to the questionnaire. A different pattern of predictor variables was found for each of the dependent variables. Results indicate that the benefits of recycling motivation factor was a strong predictor of frequency of participation, general environmental concern was significantly related to quantity per participation, and knowledge about recycling was positively related to the quantity per participation. Implications for policy and education efforts are discussed.

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