Action Research for Improving Inappropriate Disposal and Separation of Household Waste in Apartments

The Effects of Feedback and Greeting

Abstract

We conducted an action research to improve the inappropriate disposal and separation of household waste targeting residents living in one-person apartments, who usually have a weak relationship with community. We conducted a quasi-experiment with three conditions each of which a notice encouraging appropriate disposal and separation behaviors is given to the residents: 1)only notice condition -- the notice is posted in the entrance of building, 2) greeting condition -- a resercher greets to residents，and 3) feedback condition -- gives feedbacks to residents about the amount of reduced inappropriate behaviors. Result showed that l) inappropriate behaviors reduced in all three conditions during the actions were implemented, 2) but inappropriate behavior increased after the actions were removed in notice and greeting conditions, but not observed in the feedback condition. This implies that it is important residents are informed about other residents do appropriate behavior.