Cheong Sue Ning (FoS), Kommareddi Lakshmi Sirisha (CEG), Liu Renxing (SoC), Ng Choon Kiat William (FoE), Toh Yunqi Cheryl (SoC), Zhong Yibai (FoE)
Academic Advisor: Mr. N Sivasothi
In NUS, recycling bins are placed around the campus to promote recycling habits among students. However, based on two surveys conducted in Ridge View Residential College (RVRC), we found out that almost 70% of respondents rarely or never recycle. Among these respondents, the most commonly cited reason was inconvenience and laziness. As for residents who habitually recycle, the reason given by them was convenience. The contrast in response between the two groups has led us to investigate if proximity affects recycling rates. Currently, the recycling bins in the tower block are only placed at one end of each floor which makes it inconvenient for the residents whose living on the other end to do recycling routine. From the survey conducted, 82.4% of the sample residents in tower block had agreed that having closer recycling bins might motivate them to recycle more. Many studies include Folz’s experiment had also shown that residents are more willing to participate in recycling activities. Folz’s result had revealed that communities with curbside collection had higher participation rate than the communities with local drop-off, which is 45% compared to 25%. (Domina & Koch, 2002) Hence to find out the impact of distance between residents and recycling bins towards recycling rate, our group have reallocated the bins in tower block next to the lift lobby – a more central location – so that residents have equal accessibility to the bins.
Keywords: Culture and Lifestyle Trends, Responsible Consumption, Recycling, Recycling Habits, Recycling Bins