An evaluation of the Hornby Island recycling program and its implications for municipal solid waste management
Date
1990
Authors
Wang, Jiandong
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Abstract
Municipal solid waste recycling not only has an immediate impact on the landfill crisis through reducing the waste stream flowing into landfills, but also helps to conserve valuable resources and protect the environment. Although recycling is taking place in many cities all over the world, very little attention has so far been paid to the problems associated with it in small communities. This study examines the effectiveness of a recycling program, in dealing with municipal solid waste in small communities, through a case study of the Hornby Island recycling program.
The research focused on the evaluation of the program and investigated its development. The main research tools utilized were personal interviews and a mail questionnaire survey, which was sent to all the permanent households on the island. A response rate of 37 per cent was achieved. The study develops a methodological framework for evaluating small community recycling. The criteria established to evaluate a recycling program are the materials recycled, recycling quantity and rate, financial feasibility, and public awareness, participation and acceptance. Based on these criteria, the Hornby Island recycling program was assessed as very successful. The development of the program was investigated in the light of the conceptual framework adapted from innovation research, these concepts were discussed in terms of the developmental process and the key factors which have contributed to the diffusion of recycling on the island. Two conclusions were derived from the survey and the theoretical discussions. Firstly, the program has passed the final stage of hindsight evaluation and modification, and has entered a new stage of exporting recycling to other communities. Secondly, a need for recycling, the establishment of a recycling committee, the roles of key individuals, the cultural history and local decision-making in favour of recycling, the homogeneity of the population and their positive attitudes towards recycling, and effective education and regulations were considered to be some important factors in the diffusion process. However, further research is required to validate the findings.
The implications of this study and some recommendations derived from the survey and theoretical discussions that have a bearing on small community recycling are also presented.