Recycling at the Office, a Research Study

摘要

Garbage just isn't what it used to be. Nearly everything that used to be considered garbage should now either be given to charity, recycled through a recognized program or composted. With a decrease in available landfill space and an increase in environmental awareness, residential recycling programs, both curbside and drop-off, have flourished in the 1990s. In addition, the last decade produced a wealth of studies on people's recycling and waste disposal behavior at home. However, recycling at the office isn't a well-studied phenomenon. Because many Americans spend the majority of their waking hours on the job, and because in most states businesses contribute the largest share to the waste stream, office recycling programs are of utmost importance. In March 2003, the City of Tacoma, Washington, conducted a survey of 456 employees working in its two downtown office buildings in order to 1) gather baseline statistics on office recycling and 2) test interest in an expanded office recycling program. 207 people responded to the survey—a 45% response rate—and the results were encouraging. Tacoma Solid Waste Management found it has a solid base of recycling supporters. Overall, respondents felt recycling and waste reduction habits were very or somewhat important to them, and they indicated a high level of willingness to 1) recycle more items, 2) try new waste reduction techniques and 3) use a smaller garbage can called a "mini bin."