DETERMINANTS OF PARTICIPATION IN MULTIFAMILY RECYCLING PROGRAMS

The determinants of recycling in multi-family residences were investig ated by administering a 50-item questionnaire to 230 residents of buil dings where recycling collection systems had been installed. The level of tenant participation, defined by a composite index of self-reporte d usage, was positively associated with income, education, recycling m otivation, and cleanliness of the recycling system. It was negatively associated with the number of different types of collection containers . At the aggregate level. participation varied considerably between th e complexes. These differences were largely accounted for in terms of three system support variables, specified in terms of the ''user frien dliness'' of the recycling system, its spatial location within the com plex, and the degree to which the manager supported the program. Multi ple regression analysis indicated that user friendliness and manager c ommitment together accounted for 85.3% of the variance in the aggregat e participation index. These results suggested several experimental in terventions designed to increase participation in multi-family recycli ng programs.