What drives an environmental horticultural firm to start recycling plastics? Results of a Georgia survey

Abstract

Environmental horticulture firms supply products and services related to the design, installation, and maintenance of commercial and residential landscapes. An important issue in the environmental horticulture sector is the reduction and utilization of horticultural waste including plastic containers, trays, plastic greenhouse covers and field covers, and plastic bags. Using data collected through a survey in 2013, this paper identifies factors that influence the sector’s decision to participate in waste recycling programs in Georgia, USA. The study employs a decision model. Results indicate that significant determinants of the recycle decision include the firm size, motivation for recycling, current recycling situation, as well as owner/manager education level. To help firms to recycle, local governments, the environmental horticulture sector, and environmental protection organizations need to focus on lower-revenue and small size firms, broadly disseminate recycle program information, and enhance the local recycler’s services.