Out of sight, out of mind: Issues and obstacles to recycling in

Ontario’s multi residential buildings

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921344916300052

By: Dr. Calvin Lakhanhttp://wastewiki.info.yorku.ca/

lakhanc@yorku.ca

Overview• Study examined obstacles, barriers and opportunities to

household recycling in multi-residential buildings• How does increasing levels of recycling convenience

and recycling awareness affect household recycling behavior and building recycling rates?• Does floor level recycling chutes increase

participation?• What forms of recycling promotion and education are

most effective in multi res buildings?

Methods

• Three phase study conducted over 9 month period (combination of waste audits and semi structured interviews with household residents)

• Phase 1 was designed to assess perceived barriers to recycling in multi residential buildings

• Phase 2 involved retrofitting each building with floor level recycling chutes (accompanied by a recycling promotion and education campaign)

• Phase 3 examined how a putting a Blue Bin in building lobby entrances affected household recycling awareness and participation

Results

• Installation of recycling chutes alone did not increase household recycling awareness or participation

• Placing a Blue Bin in the lobby entrance had the greatest impact on household awareness

• Complimentary effect between installation of recycling chutes and alternative engagement strategies

Conclusions • Increasing convenience is not enough to encourage

recycling in multi res buildings• Increasing diversion in multi residential buildings

represents a significant opportunity for the province to increase diversion

• Alternative methods of household engagement need to be considered – not as simple as building infrastructure.