Abstract
This study surveyed collection performances for PET bottles, cans, and other wastes using smart recycling bins (SmaGO® FORCETECH Co.). 13 recycling bins were positioned along Route 423 from Harajuku Station to Omotesando Station. Waste collection performances for these bins were recorded during the period from July 7 to August 5, 2022. According to pedestrian flow data near the recycling bins (KDDI Location analyzer®, KDDI Co.), per capita wastes collected in a day were measured and used for waste collection modeling. Waste collection data shows log-normality for PET bottles, cans, and other wastes, which was significantly influenced by factors such as weather, temperature, and specific day. Although a model based on log-normal distribution including distance to recycling bins as the model variable failed to predict waste collection performances, a modified model that includes logarithmic distance and effects of weather, temperature, and day was found to appropriately predict PET bottle and can collection performances. Even the modified model, however, failed to make appropriate predictions for other types of waste collections. This suggests that psychological behavior mechanisms regarding waste drop-off at recycling bins is clearly different in comparison to PET bottles, cans, and other wastes.
