Which are the Determinants of Recycling? A Case Study in Greece. (original) (raw)

This survey investigates the socioeconomic characteristics and the environmental parameters of sustainable development at the Saronikos municipality in Athens, Greece. Specifically, it examines the advantages and the shortcomings of the municipal recycling program focusing mainly on factors that influence consumers’ attitude on paper waste management. This study was based on a random sample survey involving 160 questionnaires distributed locally to residents of the area using the random stratified method. The findings indicate that the majority of the residents know the proper use of blue recycling containers (for plastic, glass and paper). On the other hand, only ¼ of the questioned residents are aware of the proper use of the green containers with the yellow lid (for printed paper only). Income, educational attainment, age, marital status and awareness of environmental issues affect the frequency of recycling. Also, it is of high policymaking interest that a change of municipal taxation from the existing system, which is based on surface square meters of each household, to a taxation system based on the quantity of waste produced by each household, can contribute to more sustainable lifestyle regarding recycling practices.