Waste Figures and CBSM

Hello.

Brendan Rahman asked for "statistics, data, or info about waste disposal/management and community-based social marketing." I am sure that you have already thoroughly scoured CBSM Web site, right? Then how about this study: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/localauth/encourage.htm mentioned in an article here: http://www.letsrecycle.com/news/archive/news.jsp?story=5921 ? The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, or Defra, the UK's Sustainable Development Authority reported on a recent waste study that tests incentives to increase recycling rates. The report on the trials concluded that "incentive schemes can be a useful tool to authorities that wish to enhance the performance of their waste collection service." The report added: "There is, unfortunately, no 'one size fits all' ideal solution. They conclude that (surprise!) it is most important to consider barriers. All the rewards that this study came up with (....charitable donations, community rewards, schools rewards, personal non-financial rewards, prize draws and cash rewards, says the above story) did not increase recycling appreciatively. Some, but not as might be expected. The study, available at the Defra link above, concludes that best management considers the barriers to recycling, such as: "lack of participation; excessive contamination; infrequency of collection service, number or size of collection receptacles." They suggest that infrastructure may trump incentive when it comes to cost-effective increases in recycling rates. Another article in Let's Recycle cites a consultant that says that the study demonstrates the benefit of pay-as-you-throw models. http://www.letsrecycle.com/info/localauth/news.jsp?story=6018 It at least demonstrates that you can't just pay people and expect them to do what you want them to do, especially if it is not easy enough to do.

Good luck!
Diana Ruth Olegre

Washington State
Department of Ecology
Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program
Community Outreach and Environmental Education Specialist
Beyond Waste Sector
Outreach Coordinator
[email protected]
360-407-6609