Motives as predictors of the public's attitudes toward solid waste issues

Journal Article · Tue Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 2000 · Environmental Management

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s002679910012· OSTI ID:20014605

Ebreo, A; Vining, J

Surveys focusing on solid-waste-related issues, conducted over a period of several years, provided data from independent samples of residents of a Midwestern, USA, community. The collection of these data yielded useful information about the relationship between residents' recycling motives and their attitudes toward solid waste management in light of several changes in the solid waste infrastructure of the community over that time. The initial survey assessed baseline beliefs and attitudes, while later surveys were conducted after the implementation of a community educational program and a curbside recycling program. The findings indicated that for recyclers and nonrecyclers, different motives predicted endorsement of solid waste programs and policies. Although a similar percentage of recyclers and nonrecyclers were in support of various proposed programs and policies, concern for the environment was found to be positively related to nonrecyclers' support of proposed programs, particularly before these programs were implemented. Prior to program implementation, motives other than environmental altruism were found to be related to recyclers' support of the programs. Additional findings support the idea that educational programs and increased accessibility to recycling opportunities affect the relationship between people's attitudes toward solid waste management and their recycling motives.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Illinois, Champaign, IL (US)
• OSTI ID: 20014605
• Journal Information: Environmental Management, Journal Name: Environmental Management Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 25; ISSN EMNGDC; ISSN 0364-152X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
ATTITUDES
EDUCATION
ENERGY CONSERVATION
MUNICIPAL WASTES
PUBLIC OPINION
RECYCLING
SOLID WASTES
WASTE MANAGEMENT