Recycling drop-off centre: can it have an effect?

Abstract

Municipalities in Greece hold the responsibility for establishing and organizing Green Points (a type of recycling drop-off centre), as mandated by law to have at least one within their jurisdiction. The aim of this study was to assess the recycling habits and opinions of the residents of the city of Larissa, with a specific focus on the potential impact of introducing a Green Point within the municipality area. Finally, a comparison was carried out to examine the differing viewpoints of individuals who recycle and those who do not, as well as the potential effects of a Green Point on them. A web-based qualitative questionnaire with closed-ended questions was deployed for the analysis. The key questions in the survey were clearly answered by 213 participants, providing strong indications. The local community is actively involved in recycling efforts and is generally satisfied with the current related system, but they feel that changes must be made. Although almost all the participants held a positive opinion on the potential location of a Green Point in their city, the majority of them disagreed with a potential increase in the current waste charges to support the operation of the Green Point. Non-recyclers cited time and space constraints as the primary reasons for not participating. The general consensus among participants is that a financial reward and/or fine can serve as a viable motivator for recycling. The primary distinctions between recyclers and non-recyclers are reflected in their beliefs about how powerful these motivators can be and how much they would increase the travel distance for recycling in the case of their existence.