Human behavior in a throw away society

Public space recycling has potential to create a significant reduction in waste. It’s estimated that as much as 50 percent of rubbish in public space is recyclable.

Thinking about it, most of the waste I produce in streets and parks is drink bottles and cans. Problem, putting recycling bins in place doesn’t seem to work very well.

Walking through central park on a nice day I brought a bottle of water, drank it and wondered about my options of disposal. While thinking about the trade off between how bad I would feel not recycling verse how far I was willing to carry a unwanted bottle around I came across a rubbish bin overflowing with bottles and just as I was about to add to the pile I noticed a alternate option. Right next the overflowing pile of plastic was a recycling bin. I disposed of my bottle happily, feeling environmentally conscious. Assuming the effort and all other factors were equal in all aspects of this choice why is the “bad” landfill bin overflowing instead of the “good” recycling bin.

Putting my bottle in the recycling bin made me feel better about throwing out, I don’t think I am alone in this feeling and I am sure that if confronted or questioned about their preferences on this issue the overwhelming majority would choose to recycle a bottle.

Two bins side by side, why would anyone knowingly choose the option that is worse for their environment? The consequences of this choice are barely apparent at the time of disposal, although in this case as the bin was overflowing I see minimal consequence.

Habit, we are not used to having the option? Indifference possible because it is a drop in the bucket, so much waste produced what difference does one bottle make? Is incentive required? Monetary? Social responsibility?

I am willing to make some sacrifice in the name of being green but at some point the benefit ceases to outweigh the cost. The amount of sacrifice will differ for everyone but the more visible (or is it understandable) the cost becomes the better.

More people willing to make greater sacrifice.

Make it easier (reduce sacrifice) more people willing to recycle.

Thoughts on how to improve the use of public space recycling bins

Society progressing to a state where it becomes a social taboo to be seen irresponsibly disposing of waste.

Targeted education, many people don’t see that the option exists even when it is right in front of them. Inform us!!!! We care about the planet and want to do our bit

Talking rubbish bin! Yes it sounds absurd but could serve as a reminder to help people break the habit of not caring about what they do with there waste. “Hey you could recycle that” yes I imagine it would be very annoying.