Abstract
This study aims to build consumer behaviour models which can analyze changes in consumer behaviour when deposit systems are introduced in the collection of empty cans and bottles. First, consumer behaviour models using three kinds of methodology (the refund method, the encouragement method and the conbination method) in deposit systems are derived from utility maximization thoery. Second, parameters in the models are estimated using data gathered through a consumer survey. The survey, consisting of a questionnaire, also investigated the effects of deposit systems. The estimates produced three model, which provied to be sufficiently significant statistically. The models found satisfactorilly explain and predict the number of cans and bottles to be purchased as well as to be returned when deposit systems are introduced. These models can be applied to analyze the benefits to consumers, local governments and enterprises arising from the introduction of deposit systems.
