Recycling Beverage Containers on a College Campus

Paul D. Luyben
Susan B. Warren
Terry A. Tallman

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DOI: 10.2190/RT1H-V8LQ-KPEW-5EQG

Abstract

Current and anticipated shortages of energy, materials and landfill space have prompted interest in finding cost-effective ways to encourage recycling of scarce resources. One significant source of waste involves the disposal of steel and aluminum beverage containers as trash. The present research sought to increase recycling of beverage containers in college dormitories. Previous research has shown that prompts and reduced response cost can increase recycling. In the present research a multiple baseline design was used in which a single recycling container was first placed in each of four college dormitories. Subsequently, five additional containers were added to each of three dorms at successive, approximately three week intervals. Poster and flyer prompts which encouraged recycling were used throughout both conditions. Additional posters were also distributed when the multiple container procedure was implemented. The results showed substantial increases in recycling of both aluminum and steel cans when the multiple container procedure was used relative to the single container procedure. Data on the cost-effectiveness of these procedures and suggestions for future research are presented.

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