Avfall och beteende i Brf Ellstorp

Ellstorp housing cooperative has long had problems with household waste not being properly recycled and bulky refuse not being left in designated areas, leading to overfilled bins and chaotic recycling rooms. In this study, an investigation was carried out among the residents in Ellstorp, using a survey handed out to all residents and group interviews with volunteering residents and the board of the cooperative. The aim was to see why residents do not recycle, if the image seems to correspond to other studies and what measures could be considered to improve the situation. Previous studies suggest three main instruments that affect recycling participation: physical infrastructure, a clear set of rules and information. Three other factors, which more have to do with the mindsets of the individuals in question, are: attitudes, norms and feeling of control. Furthermore, people throwing trash can be categorized into different stages with regards to how regularly and to what extent they recycle. This might affect what barriers and information that affect their recycling. The Ellstorp respondents of this study were generally satisfied with the physical systems although some changes, such as possibilities to wash and more easily opened doors, were suggested. Environmental concern and convenience factors were named as the main drivers for recycling. Security of how to recycle corresponded well with the rate of recycling. Barriers against recycling seem to mainly be insecurity, inconvenience and lack of recycling norms and environmental concern. Incentives used to increase recycling at Ellstorp need to take the different factors affecting recycling behaviour into account, in order to give the arguments relevant for different barriers and reaching people in different stages.