Bom, U.B.; Belbase, S.; Bibriven Lila, R. Public Perceptions and Practices of Solid Waste Recycling in the City of Laramie in Wyoming, U.S.A.. Recycling2017, 2, 11.
Bom, U.B.; Belbase, S.; Bibriven Lila, R. Public Perceptions and Practices of Solid Waste Recycling in the City of Laramie in Wyoming, U.S.A.. Recycling 2017, 2, 11.
Bom, U.B.; Belbase, S.; Bibriven Lila, R. Public Perceptions and Practices of Solid Waste Recycling in the City of Laramie in Wyoming, U.S.A.. Recycling2017, 2, 11.
Bom, U.B.; Belbase, S.; Bibriven Lila, R. Public Perceptions and Practices of Solid Waste Recycling in the City of Laramie in Wyoming, U.S.A.. Recycling 2017, 2, 11.
Abstract
Managing household solid waste is an urban problem in recent years. To tackle this problem, recycling is one of the most effective methods applicable in waste management. Recycling in the city of Laramie in Wyoming has a history that dates to 1983 with the establishment of Ark Recycling center. Laramie officially started its curbside recycling services in September 2011 and In April 2012, the city declared its long-term goal to achieve 40% diversion rate by 2030. The study involved a mail-back survey to understand public participation landscape and factors affecting recycling behaviors and attitudes of residents in Laramie. Quantitative result of the survey responses, civic engagement score, recycling importance score recycling satisfaction and recycling behavior scores were created to understand these attributes. In addition, three key informant interviews were conducted to explore efforts of the city, the University of Wyoming and the Ark Regional Services. Findings of the study show that more than 80% of the survey respondents indicated environmental concern was the major motivation to join recycling with high level of recycling importance and satisfaction. The Study further uncovered hints that Laramie needs to introduce an aggressive educational policy, incentive policies and a Master Plan to meet its 40% waste diversion rate by 2030 by maintaining stronger public participation in its planning process and community outreach programs.
Keywords
recycling; public participation; public perception; recycling behavior; environment
Subject
Social Sciences, Geography, Planning and Development
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Commenter:
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
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