Recycling and its Affect on Environmental Awareness: The Case of Kyle, Texas

Municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal and resource consumption are important in the face of the world’s population growth. Recycling and composting programs are one way to reduce MSW. This study examines if recycling programs trigger more general environmentally responsible behavior for residents in a central Texas mid-sized town. This ARP studies dimensions of environmentally responsible behavior, awareness and social attitudes and comparing residents who participate in the program with residents who do not. To achieve this purpose a survey was conducted. Fifty-four surveys were completed out of approximately 250 potential respondents contacted resulting in a 21 percent response rate. The surveys were completed by respondents who self-selected using the online tool Survey Monkey. Information about the survey was primarily disseminated through door-to-door canvass of two neighborhoods, Amberwood that was piloted tested and Plum Creek, which was not. Information about the online survey was also disseminated through respondent referrals and social media. This study finds that participation in a recycling program raises levels of environmental awareness and triggers changes in secondary consumption behaviors known as spillover effects.

Name thesis:degree_name

Masters in Public Administration

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Public Administration

Grantor

Texas State University

Year dc:date.issued

2011

Author dc:creator

• Bellon, Patrick

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Longoria, Thomas

• recycling
• environmental issues
• Kyle (Tex.)

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10877/24160

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digital.library.txst.edu:10877/24160